The World Health Organisation have defined Long Covid as follows:

Post COVID-19 condition occurs in individuals with a history of probable or confirmed SARS CoV-2 infection, usually 3 months from the onset of COVID-19 with symptoms and that last for at least 2 months and cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis. Common symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, cognitive dysfunction but also others and generally have an impact on everyday functioning. Symptoms may be new onset following initial recovery from an acute COVID-19 episode or persist from the initial illness. Symptoms may also fluctuate or relapse over time.

List of Common Symptoms of Long Covid

General symptoms

• Extreme tiredness or fatigue that interferes with daily life
• Symptoms that get worse after physical or mental effort (also known as PEM “ or post-exertional malaise”/ ‘PESE Post Exertional Symptom Exacerbation’)
• Fever

Respiratory and heart symptoms

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Cough
• Chest pain
• Fast-beating or pounding heart (also known as heart palpitations)

Neurological symptoms

• Difficulty thinking or concentrating (sometimes referred to as “brain fog”)
• Headache
• Sleep problems
• Dizziness when you stand up (lightheadedness)
• Pins-and-needles feelings
• Change in smell or taste
• Depression or anxiety

Digestive symptoms

• Diarrhoea
• Stomach pain

Other symptoms

• Joint or muscle pain
• Rash
• Changes in menstrual cycles
• Tinnitus
• Dysautonomia/Postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS)

This is not a complete list of all Long Covid symptoms, there are over 200 documented symptoms. Long Covid Advocacy Ireland members have included the most frequently reported symptoms.