Treating and Managing Long COVID Symptoms

Medically Reviewed by Baptist Health

If you contract COVID-19 and recover but continue to have symptoms for more than four weeks, you may be experiencing what’s commonly known as long-term COVID or just long COVID. Doctors also refer to this as suffering from post-COVID conditions. 

Long COVID physical symptoms include:  

• Fatigue, particularly after physical exertion
• Fever
• Coughing
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Joint and muscle aches
• Decreased sense of taste and smell
• Difficulty breathing
• Heart palpitations
• Inability to focus (“brain fog”)
• Chest pain

Long COVID also has been linked to blood clots, strokes, seizures, skin problems, autoimmune conditions, and other physical health issues. In addition, it can cause psychological problems such as depression and anxiety.

Post COVID Care – When and Where You Need It.

Baptist Health has developed a program for patients that had COVID-19 and are still experiencing symptoms or do not feel they have fully recovered. If you are experiencing any issues after having COVID-19 such as persistent shortness of breath, exercise intolerance, or ongoing symptoms, you can get care now from Baptist Health’s long COVID program via a virtual visit with a provider. 

How Is Long COVID Treated?

The first step in treating long COVID and managing its symptoms is to diagnose it. This can be challenging since many of its symptoms are like those of other illnesses. But once your doctor has made a diagnosis, they’ll:

• Use best practices to treat each of the symptoms you’re experiencing
• Collaborate with other doctors to address the full spectrum of issues potentially caused by long COVID and minimize the impact of the illness
• Ask about your mental and emotional wellbeing, and connect you with Baptist Health behavioral health care providers, if appropriate

Don’t take a chance with your health.

Getting the COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to prevent COVID-19 infection and end the pandemic. The vaccine cannot give you COVID-19, but it can help protect you from serious illness. Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine and make a vaccination appointment at a location near you. 

How to Get Care from Baptist Health for Long COVID

If you continue to have COVID-19-related symptoms weeks after the main illness has resolved, Baptist Health can help you understand and manage those symptoms through our video visit program. 

This program provides convenient access to Baptist Health doctors for anyone age two and older. Sessions can take place from anywhere: your home, your office, or any other location where you have internet access. 

Plus, long COVID video evaluations are available seven days a week 24 hours a day on your smartphone, tablet, or computer. It’s easy to use this service, free to enroll, private, and secure. Your insurance will be billed for this visit, and we collect a copay per your insurance. Any portion not covered by your insurance plan will be billed and collected after the visit.

You must have or create a MyChart account to use Virtual Care. If you don’t currently have a MyChart account, you can sign up and get started in one simple step.

Protect Yourself from Long COVID

COVID-19 is a serious illness and the possibility of developing long COVID makes it even more important to protect yourself and your loved ones. Visit the Baptist Health Long Term COVID-19 Symptoms page for more information on long COVID. 

If you’ve not yet been vaccinated against COVID-19, take the step to protect your health and reduce your chance for contracting COVID-19 and developing long COVID by scheduling your vaccination appointment today.

Next Steps and Useful Resources:

Find a Provider Near You
Get Started Now With Virtual Care
What Are COVID-19 Long-Haulers?
Recovering from COVID-19? Here Are 5 At-Home Exercises That Can Help.
[PODCAST] What is Long COVID?