CHAPTER 1
What is Long Covid?
What is Long Covid?
L
ong Covid is a broad range of symptoms following resolution of the acute phase of the disease. Those with Long Covid are no longer testing positive for traces of the SARS-CoV-2 virus but exhibit long-term symptoms that persist for weeks or even many months after initial infection.
Between 10 and 30% of Covid-19 patients are estimated to experience Long Covid symptoms. 1 For more debilitating symptoms that last more than a year, the estimate is between 2 and 5%. The likelihood of full or partial recovery from Long Covid varies from person to person.
This definition excludes long-term consequences attributable to organ damage that can occur as a result of Covid-19 infection.
Can Long Covid affect people of all ages?
Long Covid can affect people of all ages who are otherwise healthy, including children. Can Long Covid affect people who are healthy?
Long Covid affects people of all medical backgrounds, even those who are completely healthy. 1
GAO-22-105666, Science & Tech Spotlight: Long COVID 4
