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Translations available:
This section provides information about:
How CHSS can help you
Download our Long Covid Essential Guide to find out more about the topics discussed on this page.
Download our Guide
Download our Life with Long Covid Essential Guide to find out more about adjusting to life after Covid.
Paula Leask and Dr Amy Small tackle a range of symptoms, concerns, and management techniques reported by people with Long Covid.
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Most people recover from COVID within a few months, but around one in ten people still have symptoms six months after they were infected. Long Covid can happen regardless of how bad the original infection was. Some people have Long Covid without ever having been aware that they were infected originally. Long Covid can affect people of any age and background. Although some groups of people seem to be at higher risk of developing long-term symptoms, including:
It is still unclear why some people develop Long Covid.
However, the theory most supported by current evidence is that your immune system stays activated after you recover from the original infection. This starts to affect the rest of your body.
Blood tests on people with Long Covid show higher amounts of the chemicals that are released when your immune system is fighting a virus, even long after the virus itself has been cleared out of your system.
This makes your immune system oversensitive, which can mean that your immune system attacks your own body. It can also mean that, when you get any other infection, you react more strongly, get more ill, and stay ill for longer.
There are other aspects of COVID-19 that can contribute to Long Covid:
Long Covid symptoms and how you experience them often varies over time.
There is a lot of variation in symptoms, but the most commonly recognised ones are:
Fatigue is not just being tired, sleeping a lot, or lacking motivation. It is a condition which affects every part of your body. You have less energy and may struggle to do things that used to be easy. Try to notice what triggers your fatigue and balance your activity.
Long Covid Fatigue Factsheet
PEM is experienced by up to nine out of 10 people with Long Covid. It means that after exercising or otherwise overstretching yourself, your symptoms become dramatically worse for days or even weeks after. It is important not to try to push through your symptoms or over-exert yourself.
Safe Exercise With Long Covid Factsheet
You may feel chest pain, struggle to catch your breath, or find yourself getting dizzy or light-headed. This may get better over time and you can access support, like pulmonary rehabilitation, or develop self-management techniques to reduce its impact.
Long Covid Breathlessness Factsheet
You may experience pain in your joints and muscles – this may be in response to overuse or it may be consistent. Around three out of ten people also experience headaches. Chronic pain is often caused by specific factors so it’s important to keep on eye on your responses to different environments.
Chronic Pain Essential Guide
You might have trouble with your focus and concentration, memory, communication skills or thinking. These effects usually come and go depending on your level of fatigue and general health. Be honest with the people around you if you’re struggling and identify self-management techniques that work for you.
Brain Fog Factsheet
Some people experience other symptoms, these are covered in our Long Covid Essential Guide.
Like with many long-term health conditions, navigating Long Covid can impact your participation in daily activities and social life.
Many of our services are designed to support people navigating their life in a new way. Services – Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland.
To be diagnosed with Long Covid, you must have had COVID-19 previously, and other possible causes of your symptoms must be ruled out.
To help your doctor diagnose you:
If you think you have Long Covid symptoms speak to your healthcare professional. They will take your medical history and may run some tests to rule out other potential causes of your .
Visit these websites for regularly reviewed and updated information:
CHSS has a range of services:
Your doctor, with your agreement, may refer you to other health professionals and support services e.g.: occupational therapy, counselling, physiotherapists, or pain clinics.
Long Covid sufferer Brighid Ó Dochartaigh, a 47-year-old geologist from Edinburgh, knows first-hand the devastating impact the condition can have.
Individuals navigating Long Covid can need support for months after the initial Covid infection and it can be devastating in its impact on their lives. Emotional support is also key and we would encourage people to stay connected, find support and don’t rush at recovery. It is essential to take time and be kind to yourself.
Long Covid project presentations
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This page was last updated on June 19, 2025 and is under regular review. If you feel anything is missing or incorrect, please contact [email protected] to provide feedback.