A National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) Committee defined Long COVID in 2024 as “an infection-associated chronic condition (IACC) occurring after SARS-CoV-2 infection that is present for at least three months as a continuous, relapsing and remitting, or progressive disease state.” It affects one or more organ systems, presenting as single or multiple symptoms and/or diagnosable conditions.

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Long COVID can affect children and adults, regardless of health, disability, socioeconomic status, age, sex, ethnicity or geographic location.

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Although Long COVID patients may suffer from diverse symptoms related to many organ systems, some symptoms are more common than others. No specific symptom is required for a diagnosis of Long COVID, but the presence of common symptoms increases the likelihood of Long COVID.

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Long COVID patients may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

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• fatigue

• post-exertional malaise (PEM)

• difficulty concentrating

• memory changes

• recurring headache

• shortness of breath

• cough

• persistent lightheadedness

• fast heart rate

• sleep disturbance

• problems with taste or smell

• bloating

• constipation

• diarrhea.

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Sources:

Chu, L., Bishof, K., Dumes, A.A. et al. The 2024 National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Long COVID Definition: What Clinicians Need to Know. J GEN INTERN MED (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-025-09415-8

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