Most people recover from COVID-19 within two weeks, but some people — even those who had mild versions of the disease — continue to have symptoms after their initial recovery. This smaller group of survivors experience long-term health issues for weeks or even months following infection. These Coronavirus Long-Haulers experience a range of symptoms: most commonly breathing problems (chest pain/cough/shortness of breath), headache, fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, and depression/anxiety. 

These post-COVID conditions may be known as long COVID, long-haul COVID, post COVID-19 syndrome, long-term effects of COVID, or chronic COVID.

Here is a list of Long COVID-19 information, online support groups, and videos detailing the science behind Long Covid and possible ways to prevent/limit its effects:

Information

• December 2022 – NEW DMV CEAL team study on the impact of living with Long COVID
• Health and Long COVID Report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This detailed and comprehensive report treats defining Long COVID, living with the condition, possible treatments, improving quality of life, and a long list of resources.
• Watch Breathe California’s COVID Long Haulers Survey Report PowerPoint presentation showing the results of the Needs Assessment we conducted to help us determine the best specific support services to provide for COVID-19 long haulers.
• CDC’s COVID-19 resource site has a page with information on post-COVID conditions.
• Regularly updated blog that addresses common concerns about Covid and Long Covid from the Covid Care Group
• Updated news and studies regarding Long COVID policy, survivors, therapy and science from the Long Covid Alliance and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
• Long COVID-19 guidebook for filing disability insurance
• The Administration for Community Living has published a ACL resource guide that can help people find community-based resources if they now need assistance to live in their own home, go to work or school, or participate in the community.

Presentation

• This COVID Long Haulers Survey Report (PowerPoint) shows the results of the Needs Assessment we conducted to help us determine the best specific support services to provide for COVID-19 long haulers.

Videos

• Recorded presentation discussing the basics of Long COVID and easy-to-use resources by one of our interns
• COVID breathing exercises to help relieve shortness of breath and increase comfort
• Dr. Seheult of MedCram gives a YouTube lecture about the most recent research on Long COVID Syndrome by reviewing the science behind the symptoms
  • What do I do if I test positive for Covid-19 (Immune System Recommendations)?
• Health and Hospital Committee Special Hearing on Long COVID – Special hearing on long COVID conducted by Supervisor Simitian with an expert medical panel discussing long COVID and how you and our County can prepare to address this health concern.

Patient Support Groups

• Covid-19 Survivor Corps – Facebook group with 170k members discuss their symptoms, share details on their treatment and encourage one another. Also helps educate and mobilize COVID-19 survivors and connects them with the medical, scientific and academic research community.
• Blooming Magnolia – Online platform that empowers COVID-19 survivors by providing a communal space to strengthen & protect mental health and support those afflicted with Long COVID through education and funding of therapeutic research.
• COVID-19 Long Haulers Support – With a focus on healing and moving forward, this support group is here to support you in your recovery. This group has 3 primary goals to help Long COVID sufferers: 1) Education using evidence based practices, 2) Research opportunities, and 3) Resources for Long COVID.