Long COVID: What It Is, Symptoms, and How to Manage It in 2025
What Is Long COVID?
Long COVID, also called post-COVID condition, refers to a range of lingering symptoms that persist for weeks or even months after recovering from the acute phase of COVID-19. Even individuals with mild or asymptomatic COVID can experience Long COVID.
According to the World Health Organization, symptoms lasting beyond 3 months and unexplained by another diagnosis fall under Long COVID.
Most Common Symptoms
Long COVID can affect multiple organ systems. Here are the most reported symptoms in 2025:
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Persistent fatigue
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Brain fog and memory issues
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Shortness of breath
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Chest pain or palpitations
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Joint and muscle pain
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Sleep disturbances
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Anxiety and depression
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Digestive issues (like nausea, diarrhea)
Some people also report hair loss, skin rashes, or new autoimmune responses.
Who Is at Risk?
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People who had severe COVID illness
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Those with pre-existing health conditions
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Women are statistically more affected than men
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Individuals with repeated infections
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People who didn’t receive vaccination before infection
What Causes Long COVID?
While the exact cause is still being studied, several theories exist:
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Immune system dysregulation
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Viral fragments lingering in the body
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Damage to organs during acute infection
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Dysautonomia (nervous system imbalance)
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Mitochondrial dysfunction leading to fatigue
Managing Long COVID in 2025
There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment, but a multidisciplinary approach helps:
Medical Care
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Regular checkups with a Long COVID clinic (available in many countries now)
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Lung function and cardiovascular evaluations
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Blood tests to rule out deficiencies (like Iron, B12, Vitamin D)
Nutrition & Supplements
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B-Vitamins for energy (like VITACED B-SHOT)
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CoQ10 and Magnesium for fatigue and recovery
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Omega-3s and antioxidants to support the brain and immune system
Lifestyle Adjustments
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Pacing: Energy management to avoid crashes (common in fatigue)
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Gentle exercise like walking or stretching
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Mindfulness and CBT for anxiety, brain fog, and insomnia
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Anti-inflammatory diet: Rich in vegetables, berries, fatty fish
Final Thoughts
Long COVID is real—and millions are living with it. While science is still catching up, early recognition, consistent care, and self-advocacy are key to recovery. If you or a loved one are struggling, know that you’re not alone—and healing is possible.
Suleiman Atieh, experienced pharmacist specializing in healthcare, patient wellness, safe medication practices, disease management, and supplement guidance.
