Frequently Asked Questions

Most studies state that 10–20% of people who contract the virus go on to develop long COVID, but a few studies have concluded it could be as low as 5% or as high as 30%. The discrepancy between percentages is because studies use different metrics for identifying long COVID. There’s not one sole definition of long COVID or an agreed symptom pattern. Long COVID can lead to more than 200 symptoms, ranging from annoying to incapacitating.

These factors – and the inconsistent, cyclical nature of the disease – make it complex to survey. However, the UK Office for National Statistics (ONS) discovered that 2.8% of the British population (1.8 million people) reported having COVID-19 symptoms that lasted more than a month. In the US, the latest data from the CDC shows that as of January 2023, 15% of all adults in the US reported having had long COVID symptoms at some point.

Yes. It can happen regardless of age, how severe their infection was, or what their health was like before catching COVID-19. Both children and adults get long COVID, too.

There’s no set time limit. Some people recover after a few months, others take a couple of years and there are many people still sick from their first infection in March 2020.

No. In fact, most long COVID patients say they had a mild acute infection. Furthermore, there are many people who had a symptom-free infection and went on to develop long COVID afterwards.

Long COVID can develop straight after the acute infection, but it often takes weeks and even months for the illness to develop. Sometimes people think they have completely recovered from the acute infection, then long COVID creeps in later.

There is no clear answer to this. More research is needed, but multiple theories are converging on an abnormal immune response, leading to effects on the metabolic and blood-clotting systems. Additionally, hidden viral reservoirs may persist in some people.

Research is still ongoing. One study, published in Nature Medicine, showed vaccines reduce the chance of long COVID by about 15%. But given the increased transmissibility of Omicron, it is thought that the number of people developing the disease is increasing, not decreasing.

Reinfections are not risk free. A huge study published in November 2022 showed the short-term and long-term health risks increase each time you catch COVID-19.

Researchers surveyed 5.3 million people from the US Department of Veterans Affairs, and compared the health of those thought to be COVID-free from March 2020 to April 2022 with 443,000 people known to have one COVID infection and 41,000 people who tested positive twice or more. People who had COVID-19 reinfections were three times more likely to suffer heart problems and 1.6 times more likely to have brain changes. They were three times as likely to be hospitalised and twice as likely to die than those with only one infection.

The latest data from the UK Office for National Statistics showed the risk of developing long COVID declined from 4% after the first infection to 2.4% after the second infection. So although there is a reduction in the risk, there is still a risk.

The most obvious way is to avoid catching COVID-19 in the first place. Of course, this can seem impossible if you have work, children at school and other social commitments. However, there are many ways to reduce the probability of infection even if you engage in social activities.

• Take up offers of COVID-19 vaccines/boosters.
• Meet outdoors where possible, as ventilation significantly reduces the spread of COVID-19.
• If you have to meet indoors, make sure to open windows to create air flow.
• Wear a well-fitted, high-grade mask such as an N95 or FFP3 when entering crowded indoor spaces.

If you do get infected, rest as much as you can and forgo exercise for at least a couple of weeks after your symptoms have resolved. We understand that rest is a privilege, and those with children and work often do not have the luxury of resting. But try as much as you are able.

• Rest. Arguably the single most important thing is to not try and ‘push through it’. Your body needs time to heal, so rest, rest and more rest. This includes resting your brain as well as your body – working from bed is not resting!

• Don’t exercise. Gentle stretching and/or yoga can help relax people, but intense exercise often exacerbates people’s symptoms and prolongs recovery.

• Medication. There is no one long COVID medication, but some people find various medicines can help some of their symptoms. Speak to your doctor about this.

If your doctor is understanding and patient, they can be a huge source of emotional and practical strength. One of the most important aspects of going to your doctor is their ability to refer you to private specialists. Otherwise, you will need your doctor to make a request through the public health system. Bear in mind that the wait times can be very long. If you have private health insurance, this can shorten wait times considerably.

Most long COVID patients are unlikely to qualify for ACC, as it is very hard to prove an infection was picked up at work.  More cases have been covered in the last year and therefore, it is always worth pursuing this path. 

Long COVID can take a huge toll on families and loved ones. It often requires a big shift in the household dynamic, as everyone grapples with the effects of the disease. The patient can help by clearly communicating what they are capable of on any given day. Good organisation and creating a care routine can help manage stress and expectations.

There’s lots of specific advice for whānau/family elsewhere on the Long Covid Support Aotearoa website.

As an employee, you have the legal right to “reasonable accommodations” such as physical and logistical adjustments in your workspace. This right comes through the Human Rights Act 1993 and the New Zealand Disability Strategy.

This means a good employer could provide you with remote-working options, a phased return to work, flexible hours, and a reduced physical and/or cognitive load so you can better manage your condition.