How to Use the Long COVID Risk Checker
Long COVID refers to new or ongoing symptoms 4 weeks or more after a COVID-19 infection. This checker reviews 5 hallmark signs — persistent fatigue, breathlessness/palpitations, brain fog, reduced smell/taste, and post-exertional symptom worsening (PEM) — to sort risk into low, moderate, or high.
Post-exertional worsening is a particularly important marker for long COVID. If fatigue gets worse the day after light activity or exercise, that pattern is more typical of long COVID than ordinary tiredness — pacing activity gradually matters more than pushing through it.
Many people improve within a few weeks on their own. But if symptoms persist enough to disrupt daily life or work, please don't rely on self-management alone — see an internist or a long COVID clinic for a proper evaluation and management plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
If fatigue, brain fog, or breathlessness are new or ongoing 4 weeks or more after a COVID-19 infection, long COVID is worth considering. Symptoms can overlap with other conditions, so a proper diagnosis needs a medical visit.
Rest and pacing your activity level come first — especially avoid pushing through exercise if fatigue worsens the day after activity. If symptoms disrupt daily life, a long COVID clinic or internal medicine consult is worth pursuing.