Post COVID-19 Condition, commonly known as long COVID, can affect anyone exposed to SARS-CoV-2, regardless of age or severity of original symptoms.
Definition
It is defined as the continuation or development of new symptoms 3 months after the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection, with these symptoms lasting for at least 2 months with no other explanation.
Symptoms
While common symptoms of long COVID can include fatigue, shortness of breath and cognitive dysfunction over 200 different symptoms have been reported that can have an impact on everyday functioning.
Numbers affected
Studies show that around 10–20% of people infected by SARS-CoV-2 may go on to develop symptoms that can be diagnosed as long COVID. Although exact numbers of those living with the condition are uncertain, it is believed that more than 17 million people across the WHO European Region may have experienced it during the first two years of the pandemic (2020/21).
Protecting yourself and others from long COVID
Protection from long COVID means protecting yourself and others from COVID-19 infection in the first place. WHO recommends a number of simple, proven measures to help do this:
- Taking up offers of COVID-19 vaccines/boosters
- Wearing well-fitted masks
- cleaning hands regularly
- catching coughs and sneezes
- ensuring indoor spaces are well ventilated.