What are the long-term effects after recovering from COVID-19?
Dec 03, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ren Yi
Introduction
In general, after recovering from COVID-19, some individuals may experience sequelae such as persistent fatigue, prolonged cough, abnormal sense of smell or taste, difficulty concentrating, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. These post-recovery symptoms are mostly temporary. During the recovery process, it is important to maintain a regular sleep schedule and avoid excessive fatigue. Engaging in moderate exercise and consuming foods rich in protein and vitamins is recommended.
Generally, after recovering from COVID-19, some individuals may experience lingering symptoms, mainly including persistent fatigue, prolonged cough, abnormal sense of smell or taste, difficulty concentrating, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Specific details are as follows:
1. Persistent fatigue: Fatigue often persists for several weeks after recovery, manifesting as general weakness even after minor physical activity, and is difficult to relieve quickly through rest. This type of fatigue is not merely due to physical exhaustion; it may also be accompanied by mental lethargy, affecting normal work and daily household activities.
2. Prolonged cough: Coughing may continue even after testing negative for the virus, typically presenting as an irritating dry cough or one accompanied by a small amount of white mucus. Symptoms can worsen upon exposure to cold air, cooking fumes, or other irritants, and tend to be more pronounced at night or upon waking, thereby affecting sleep quality.
3. Abnormal smell or taste: Some patients may experience reduced or even complete loss of smell or taste, becoming less sensitive to odors (such as fragrances or foul smells) and flavors (such as sour, sweet, bitter, or salty). These sensory disturbances usually improve gradually, although in a few cases they may persist for a long time, negatively impacting the eating experience.
4. Difficulty concentrating: After recovery, some individuals may suffer from memory decline and poor concentration,表现为 easily getting distracted during work or study, forgetting important information, and experiencing slower thinking, all of which impair efficiency in work and learning.
5. Chest tightness and shortness of breath: Symptoms such as chest tightness, breathlessness, and rapid breathing may occur easily after physical activity, though there is often no obvious discomfort at rest. This condition is usually related to incomplete recovery of lung function, with symptoms becoming more noticeable after intense exercise.
Post-COVID symptoms are mostly temporary. During the recovery process, it's important to maintain a regular routine and avoid overexertion. Engaging in moderate exercise and consuming foods rich in protein and vitamins can help restore bodily functions gradually to normal.
