Living with Long COVID in Australia: Symptoms, Self-Management and Support

Long COVID is the name for symptoms that continue, or appear, in the weeks and months after a COVID-19 infection. The most common are tiredness, breathlessness and trouble concentrating (“brain fog”). If you still have symptoms 4 weeks or more after having COVID-19, it’s a good idea to see a doctor. Many people improve gradually over time, and there’s a lot you can do to manage symptoms in the meantime.

This article explains common long COVID symptoms, practical ways to manage them day to day, when to see a GP, when to get urgent help, and how telehealth can fit into your care.

What is long COVID?

Most people recover from COVID-19 within a few days or weeks. Some people have symptoms that last longer, or develop new symptoms after the initial illness. This is often called long COVID, or post-COVID-19 condition. It can affect people who had a mild initial illness as well as those who were very unwell, and it can affect people of any age.

Long COVID isn’t a single condition, and researchers are still learning why it happens and how to treat it. There’s no single test for it, so diagnosis is based on your history, your symptoms and ruling out other causes.

Common symptoms

Many different symptoms have been reported. Some of the most common are:

• tiredness (fatigue) that doesn’t improve with rest
• feeling worse after physical or mental effort, sometimes a day or two later (called post-exertional malaise)
• shortness of breath, or a cough that won’t go away
• a racing or pounding heart (palpitations), or chest tightness
• brain fog, poor memory or difficulty concentrating
• trouble sleeping
• headaches, joint or muscle pain
• dizziness when standing up
• changes to taste or smell
• tummy problems, such as pain, diarrhoea or constipation
• low mood or anxiety

Symptoms can come and go, and may flare up after activity, stress or another infection. You can find more information on healthdirect’s long COVID page.

Managing symptoms day to day

Pace, plan and prioritise

If fatigue or post-exertional malaise is a problem, pushing through can make symptoms worse. Healthdirect recommends the “3 Ps”:

• Pace: break activities into smaller chunks and rest before you feel exhausted.
• Plan: spread demanding tasks across the day and week.
• Prioritise: focus on what’s essential, and let go of what can wait.

Increase activity slowly, and only if you’re not having flare-ups afterwards.

Other things that may help

• Keep a symptom diary. Note what you did, how you felt and any flare-ups. This helps you spot triggers and gives your doctor useful information.
• Look after your sleep with a regular routine and a wind-down period before bed.
• Eat regular, balanced meals and drink enough fluids.
• Use memory aids such as lists, phone reminders and a calendar if brain fog is an issue.
• Stay connected with family and friends, even if you need to keep catch-ups short.
• Talk to your employer or place of study about a gradual return or flexible arrangements if you need them.

When to see a GP

See a doctor if:

• you still have symptoms 4 weeks or more after COVID-19
• your symptoms are affecting your work, study or daily life
• you have new symptoms, or your symptoms are getting worse
• you’re feeling low, anxious or not coping

Your GP can check for other conditions that could be causing your symptoms, which may involve blood tests or other investigations, and talk you through a plan for managing them. Depending on your symptoms, they may refer you to a specialist, such as a respiratory physician, cardiologist or neurologist, or to allied health support such as a physiotherapist or occupational therapist. Some public hospitals run post-COVID or long COVID clinics, which usually need a referral.

Because long COVID often needs follow-up over months, it helps to have a usual GP who knows your history and can coordinate your care, including any physical examinations.

Looking after your mental health

Living with ongoing symptoms can be frustrating and isolating, and low mood and anxiety are common. Talking to a GP is a good first step. They can assess how you’re going and refer you to a psychologist or other mental health support where appropriate. If you need to talk to someone now, Lifeline (13 11 14) and Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) are available.

When to get urgent help

Call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department if you have:

• sudden or severe chest pain
• severe shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• confusion, or a seizure
• a fast heartbeat that doesn’t settle with rest, or you faint
• sudden weakness, numbness or drooping on one side of the face or body, or trouble speaking

If you’re having thoughts of harming yourself, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or call 000 if you’re in immediate danger.

How Teldoc can help

Telehealth can make it easier to get medical advice when travelling to a clinic is exhausting. Our AHPRA-registered GPs consult by phone or video, 7 days a week from 9 am to 7 pm (Sydney time), and most patients are seen within 15 minutes. Your doctor can:

• talk through your symptoms and check for warning signs
• arrange blood tests and other investigations through our pathology and radiology referrals
• provide specialist referrals where appropriate
• prescribe treatment for symptoms if clinically appropriate, with an eScript sent to your phone
• provide a medical certificate if you need time off work or study
• support your mental health, with GP mental health consultations and referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist where appropriate

We don’t provide chronic disease management plans, and some symptoms need a physical examination, so we’ll let you know if you should see your usual GP in person. Our article What telehealth can and can’t do explains more.

General consultations are $55 on weekdays and $75 on weekends and public holidays, with no Medicare rebate. See our fees page for details.

Frequently asked questions

How long does long COVID last?

It varies. Many people improve gradually over weeks to months, but some have symptoms for longer. See a doctor if you still have symptoms 4 weeks or more after COVID-19.

Is there a test for long COVID?

There’s no single test. A doctor diagnoses long COVID based on your history and symptoms, and may order tests to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.

Should I exercise if I have long COVID?

Be cautious. If you feel worse after effort, pushing through can make symptoms worse. Pace your activities and increase them slowly, and ask your doctor or a physiotherapist for advice.

Can I get help for long COVID through telehealth?

Yes. A telehealth GP can assess your symptoms, arrange tests and specialist referrals, and provide a medical certificate. Some symptoms need a physical examination, so your doctor will tell you if you should be seen in person.

This article is general health information and isn’t a substitute for advice from your own doctor. If you’re worried about your health, speak to a GP. In an emergency, call 000.

Medically reviewed by Dr Vafa Derakshan (MBBS, FRACGP), September 2026