COVID-19 and Long-covid

Risks of COVID Infections

  • Most now find that their acute infection(s) with COVID19 is mild with upper respiratory symptoms (runny nose, cough, red eyes) or GI symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea). Some will develop longer-term symptoms known as Long COVID, even after mild or asymptomatic infections.
  • Estimates range from 10-30% of acute infections lead to Long COVID. Fatigue, brain fog, and post-exertional malaise (PEM) are commonly reported symptoms, but more than 200 Long COVID symptoms have been identified. 
  • Studies have shown that well over 50% - 70% of people who have had even asymptomatic or mild cases of COVID19 suffer damage to their organs.
  • Lung Scarring: COVID-19 can scar your lungs, reducing function and making it harder to breathe.
  • Cardiovascular Damage: Long-term damage to your heart can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
  • Brain Damage: Loss of brain tissue, small blood vessels, and merged brain cells can lead to cognitive issues and higher risks of stroke, dementia, and mood disorders.
  • Blood Vessel Damage: Even asymptomatic cases can damage blood vessels, affecting organs and aging them prematurely.
  • Immune System Dysregulation: decreased immune function can make you more vulnerable to other infections. (Yes, your family IS getting sick more often!)
  • GI Symptoms: Some people experience long-term gastrointestinal symptoms due to intestinal cell infection.
  • Endocrine Disruption: COVID-19 can disrupt your endocrine system, potentially leading to thyroid problems or diabetes.

If anyone in the home is sick


Use preventative measures to limit further spread:

  • Wear masks when you must be around anyone with a virus that spreads through the air, such as cold and coughs. Infected people over 2 years should attempt to mask as much as possible. Use quality masks (well fitted N95, KN95 or KF94) to help protect the wearer from infection. 
  • Wash hands frequently. Hand sanitizers can also be used for most respiratory infections but are not effective against all infections, especially viruses that cause vomiting and diarrhea.
  • Wipe down countertops, handles, and other surfaces with a disinfectant frequently. Some germs, such as norovirus (which commonly causes vomiting and diarrhea) are not inactivated by commercial disinfectants. When vomiting or diarrhea is a concern, a bleach solution (1/2 cup chlorine bleach and one gallon of water) is recommended for disinfecting contaminated surfaces and items.
  • Clean toys: Plush toys can be washed in the washer machine. Solid plastic toys, like rubber rings, animal figures and building blocks and bricks can easily be cleaned in your dishwasher's top rack or cleaning products (Clorox or Lysol wipes, a cloth wet with a a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution, 1/2 cup chlorine bleach and one gallon of water.) If a cleaning solution is used, follow the package directions. If bleach water is used, allow it to stay wet for 5 minutes before air drying. After fully cleaning, you can rinse with water to remove products.
  • ​Turn your home heating/cooling system's fan to "on" rather than "auto" to circulate air better.
  • If weather is appropriate, open windows. Just a crack helps!
  • Consider a HEPA filter box fan DIY air filter. If you need information about various filters, Clean Air Stars has a helpful spreadsheet.


Long COVID Support Groups & Clinics



Articles and pages of interest about long COVID



Related: POTS


  • Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a condition that affects the autonomic nervous system and can lead to a variety of symptoms. POTS can lead to symptoms such as lightheadedness, dizziness, fatigue, and palpitations (heart flutters). Learn more here.