3.5 million Canadians have experienced post COVID-19 condition (long COVID).
Long COVID usually appears within three months from the acute COVID-19 infection and lasts at least two months. Symptoms vary, and can change or worsen over time, and significantly impact daily life, according to the World Health Organization.
Common symptoms may include:
- Pain
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Sleep problems
- Brain fog
- Post-exertional malaise (PEM)

Hear from a public health expert
Dr. Thomas Piggott is Co-chair of the Prevention Guideline Team for the Canadian Guidelines for Post COVID-19 Condition; Medical Officer of Health and CEO with Peterborough Public Health; and Assistant Professor at McMaster University and Queens University.
Common Symptoms
Chest Pain Learn More
There are several different types of chest pain you might experience following a COVID-19 infection. For example, it can be non-specific chest pain (can be felt anywhere in the chest), or musculoskeletal (often felt in a small area or can be widespread muscle soreness).
Fatigue Learn More
Sleep apnea, insomnia, depression, and iron deficiency anemia can be some causes of fatigue after a COVID-19 infection. It is important to discuss your fatigue with a doctor so other potential causes can be diagnosed and treated right away.
Shortness of breath Learn More
Breathlessness describes feeling winded or short of breath. You may feel that you can’t take a deep breath or get enough air. Your chest could feel tight and you may even feel as though you’re gasping for air at times. These sensations can occur when you’re exerting yourself or when you’re not doing anything.
Changes in your taste and smell Learn More
A COVID-19 infection can cause you to lose your taste or smell. As these two sensations work together, many people experience both being affected. Food may taste bland, sweet, or metallic. Research has suggested that nearly all patients see at least some improvements in their taste and smell within 6 months.
Brain fog Learn More
Brain fog describes issues with your cognition or thinking processes. With long COVID, there is usually no damage to the brain tissue. However, long COVID can affect how the brain executes tasks on a chemical and cellular level. You may not be able to concentrate as well, may feel more sensitive to light and sounds, or find it difficult to plan or stay organized.
Post-exertional malaise (PEM) Learn More
PEM is defined as an increase in long COVID symptoms after what doesn’t seem like a lot of activity. Activities could include physical, cognitive, and social/emotional. You may feel more fatigued than you think you should based on the level of activity.
Meet a long COVID patient rep!
Kimberly Flowers is a Patient Representative for the Canadian Guidelines for Post COVID-19 Condition (CAN-PCC). She serves on the CAN-PCC Guideline Development Group and is a member of the Guideline Development Team for Neurological & Psychiatric Topics.
Kimberly shares her Long COVID experience and the importance of incorporating patients’ voices into the guideline development process.
Impact and Equity

Pre-existing conditions and long COVID
26.8% of adults with pre-existing conditions reported higher limitations in daily activities compared to 14.5% for those with no pre-existing conditions.

Neighbourhood income and long COVID
35% of adults residing in lower income neighbourhoods reported higher limitations in daily activities compared to 15.5% for those residing in higher income neighbourhoods.

Age and long COVID
28% of older adults (aged 65+) reported higher limitations in daily activities compared to 20% of younger adults (aged 18-34).

Residential stability and long COVID
27% of adults with high levels of residential instability reported higher limitations in daily activities compared to 18.4% of those with low levels of residential instability.
Source: Government of Canada’s summer 2024 report “COVID 19: Longer-term symptoms among Canadian Adults”
Talking to your healthcare professional
Check out our plain language long COVID recommendations. You can print them out and share them with your health professional at your next appointment.
