Long COVID

What is long COVID?

Most people who get COVID-19 recover within 2 to 4 weeks. However, for some people, COVID-19 can cause symptoms or complications that persist or appear beyond this period. This is called long COVID. 

Long COVID is a new condition that is not yet fully understood, but it can be disabling for some people. It’s associated with a variety of symptoms, which can differ from person to person and may even change from day to day or over time. The symptoms of long COVID can make it difficult to carry out daily activities or return to school or work, and can reduce overall quality of life.

For more information, see the general information sheet on long COVID. (in French)

Service offer

The CISSS du Bas-Saint-Laurent has set up a brand-new telephone service to support people with long COVID:  

  • Have you had a confirmed COVID-19 infection?
  • Are you experiencing signs or symptoms more than 4 weeks after a COVID-19 infection?
  • Can your signs or symptoms not be explained by another condition, and did they not exist before your initial COVID-19 infection?
     

If so, this service may be for you.

For more information, see our service offer. (in French)

Services offered

  • Counselling service provided by a healthcare professional who will give you tools to help manage your symptoms
  • Assessment of your symptoms to identify your psychosocial and rehabilitation needs
  • Follow-up with your referring physician, as needed
  • Referral to other services (if required)

To access the service

To find out if this service meets your needs, talk to your doctor. If you don’t have a family doctor, contact the Primary Care Access Point (GAP). You can complete an online questionnaire to express your health needs. If you need help filling out the digital questionnaire, call 811, option 3. 

Self-management support sheets

Shortness of breath, fatigue, cough, headaches, brain fog, post-exertion malaise and loss of appetite are just a few of the main symptoms among a very long list. Below you’ll find information sheets to help support self-management of long COVID symptoms: