Most people bounce back from COVID-19 in a few weeks. But for some, the story doesn’t end there. Lingering symptoms can stretch on for months, disrupting daily routines and making recovery feel unfinished. This ongoing condition, often called “Long COVID,” is turning out to be more common than many expected.
What is Long COVID?
Long COVID is the term used when symptoms stick around for four weeks or longer after the initial infection. What surprises many is that it can happen even to people who only had a mild case of COVID-19.
What symptoms look like
Long COVID doesn’t look the same for everyone, but there are some common patterns. People often report:
- Persistent fatigue and shortness of breath
- Trouble focusing (“brain fog”), frequent headaches, or sleep difficulties
- Rapid heartbeat, dizziness, or joint pain
- Mood changes such as anxiety or feeling low
Symptoms may come and go, or flare up after activity, making recovery unpredictable.
Supporting your recovery
Managing Long COVID is about patience, pacing, and listening to your body. A few practical steps can make a real difference:
- Keep track of your symptoms in a diary. This helps you notice triggers and patterns.
- Balance activity with rest. Gentle movement can help, but avoid pushing too hard.
- Prioritise nutrition and hydration to give your body the best chance to heal.
- Pay attention to your mental health. Anxiety and low mood are part of the picture, and support is available.
Recovery is rarely a straight line, and sometimes you need extra support along the way. Pharmacies play an important role here. From over-the-counter remedies that ease symptoms like headaches, fatigue, or sleep disruption, to guidance on supplements and lifestyle adjustments, pharmacists can be a trusted resource. For those dealing with multiple or stubborn symptoms, compounding pharmacies are especially helpful. They can prepare customised medications and formulations tailored to individual needs – something that’s often overlooked when recovery doesn’t follow a standard path.
At SanoMed Compounding Pharmacy in Toronto, the team understands that Long COVID can be overwhelming. Whether it’s personalized solutions to help manage lingering symptoms, advice on maintaining balance in recovery, or access to travel immunisations once you’re ready to move forward, the pharmacy is here to support your next step toward feeling like yourself again.
