Most people with COVID-19 recover completely within a few weeks of their first symptoms. However, some people may experience longer-term effects from their infection. Long COVID, refers to long-term symptoms that some people experience after they have had COVID-19.

Long COVID is a chronic condition that can affect many body systems. People with long COVID will have unique experiences, including how long symptoms will last. People with long COVID will also have differing disease management and support needs. Evidence about long COVID is evolving.

The symptoms of long COVID are wide and varied, including fatigue, poor concentration and memory, headaches, shortness of breath, cough, fast heartrate, joint pain, menstrual cycle changes, altered smell or taste, anxiety, depression, and digestive symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Doctors have long diagnosed and treated protracted illnesses following infections by viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites, since ancient times. The Chinese Medicine diagnosis for these kinds of illnesses was termed Gu Syndrome which refers to "lingering pathogens"

There are two main types of Gu Syndrome, 'Brain Gu' and 'Gut Gu'. Brain Gu affects the nervous system, causing symptoms like headaches, pain, anxiety, and depression. Gut Gu affects the digestive system with symptoms of bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, stomach or abdominal pain, and heartburn. They commonly occur together, and either can cause fatigue and feeling foggy headed.

Chinese Medicine approach is that that with any illness, one patient’s experience of an illness can be quite different from someone else’s, so Traditional Chinese Medicine treatments are personalized to the individual, and this also applies in the case of Long Covid

Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine can be very useful to help relieve pain and calm the nervous system, and to strengthen the body and attack the lingering virus.