When COVID-19 first started making the news in March of 2020, one of the major unanswered questions involved potential long-term symptoms. Now, almost two years later, we have more insight into the virus and more answers to the uncertainty.

In most cases of COVID, patients are fully recovered within ten days of their symptoms. However, some cases, even mild ones, have symptoms weeks to months later. AFC Urgent Care North Bergen provides COVID-19 testing to all patients. Whether you have symptoms or have just been exposed, our providers can get you tested and your results back to you in no time.

Common Lingering Symptoms

The elderly and those with previous medical conditions are more likely to experience lingering COVID symptoms after contracting the virus. That being said, even healthy adults can have lingering, common symptoms.

Some common, long-term COVID symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Cough
• Joint or muscle pain
• Memory or sleep problems
• Loss of smell or taste
• Dizziness
• Depression or anxiety
• Headache

If any of these symptoms persist for more than four weeks after getting COVID, they are considered long-term symptoms. If you are struggling with any of these symptoms, it is best to consult with one of our board-certified providers or your physician. Additional medications or recommendations can be made to help ease you back into normal life.

Less Common, More Severe Symptoms

In some cases, lingering symptoms are more severe. It’s important to monitor your body and be aware of all potential issues. Visit your physician if you are concerned about any symptoms. Research is still ongoing and scientists are still finding new information out about COVID every day.

Organ Damage

COVID can potentially cause damage to the lungs, heart, kidneys, and brain. This damage can cause breathing problems, kidney impairment, heart problems, or stroke.

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome is also possible, which causes inflammation of the organs and tissue.

Blood Clots

COVID has seen to cause small clots that can cause heart conditions. While larger clots cause heart attacks or stroke, smaller clots cause problems over time.

Clots can also cause damage to other organs, which can lead to long-term kidney or liver damage.

Mood and Fatigue

Those who had severe COVID-19 systems and needed to be put on ventilators or were hospitalized are already more likely to suffer from PTSD, anxiety, or depression. Some cases of SARS in the past have also had chronic fatigue that does not improve with rest. This has also been linked to COVID-19.