Post COVID-19 condition (Long COVID)

What is Post COVID-19 Condition?

Most people who have COVID-19 will experience mild symptoms and will recover within a few weeks.

However, some people may experience persistent symptoms for weeks or months after their infection.

If you have symptoms that continue for 12 weeks after your COVID-19 symptoms first started, this may be diagnosed as “Post COVID-19 Condition”, also known as “Long COVID”.

The World Health Organisation defines Post COVID-19 Condition as:

“A condition that occurs in individuals with a history of probable or confirmed SARS CoV-2 infection, usually three months from the onset of COVID-19 with symptoms and that last for at least two 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”.

Common symptoms of Post COVID-19 Condition vary between individuals, and include:

• fatigue
• shortness of breath
• changes in taste or smell
• chest pain
• difficulty sleeping
• anxiety or depression
• headache
• cognitive dysfunction.

Post COVID-19 Navigation Service

The Department of Health has launched a service to support Tasmanians who have Post COVID-19 Condition to manage their ongoing symptoms. The service also provides referrals to appropriate Allied Health Services, such as physiotherapy or social services, if required.

If it has been more than 12 weeks since your COVID-19 symptoms started, and they are still ongoing:

• visit your GP to confirm your diagnosis and discuss the Post COVID-19 Navigation Service.
• it is important you visit your GP in the first instance to make sure your symptoms are not caused by another condition.

You may be eligible for the service if you are 16 years or older and have a diagnosis of Post COVID-19 Condition that prevents you (mentally and physically) from returning to pre-COVID function.

You must have a referral from your GP or health professional to enrol.

Fact sheet: Post COVID-19 Navigation Service

Where to find more information

• World Health Organisation: post COVID-19 condition (Long COVID)
• Understanding post-COVID-19 symptoms and Long COVID