Recovering from COVID-19 can be difficult and is different for everyone, but you are not alone. There are resources and supports to help you or a loved one manage long-term health effects after COVID-19.
This collection of resources can help you understand the effects of COVID-19 and help you to cope with health challenges you may have. It can also help you make a plan with your healthcare provider to improve your health and manage your symptoms. This is important as you recover, so you can get back to the things you need and want to do.
What is long COVID?
Long COVID is when you still have symptoms more than 12 weeks after you are first diagnosed with COVID-19.
Recovering from COVID-19 is different for everyone, no matter your age or your health. Some people feel better in a few days or weeks. For others, it may take months or longer.
Research about long COVID is still happening, and we are learning more about it all the time. The information here reflects what we know now, and it is reviewed regularly.
Who is this resource for?
This resource is for people recovering from COVID-19 who are having ongoing health concerns. It's also for anyone who is caring for a person recovering from COVID-19.
The resources here are general. Depending on your symptoms, your limits, and how you are recovering, they may or may not apply to you. Remember to pace yourself as you recover from COVID-19.
Who should I call for help?
Recovering from COVID-19 is different for everyone. Talk to your healthcare provider about your recovery plan and what is best for you if you:
- are worried about your recovery
- feel short of breath and it's not getting better, no matter what you try
- feel very short of breath doing things that are normally easy for you
- find that your attention, memory, thinking, or energy levels are not getting better
- have symptoms that make it very hard or that stop you from doing your regular daily activities (like caring for yourself or going back to work or school)
- feel depressed, anxious, or stressed and this feeling isn't getting better
If it's a medical emergency, call 911 right away. This includes:
- serious trouble breathing or struggling for each breath
- very bad chest pain
- having a hard time waking up
- feeling very confused
- passing out or fainting
You can also call the following support lines for help:
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Rehabilitation Advice Line: If you have questions about your symptoms, nutrition, or recovery plan, and it is not an emergency, call 1-833-379-0563.
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Mental Health Helpline: If you have questions or concerns about your mental health, call 1-877-303-2642.
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Indigenous Health Helpline: If you are an Indigenous person who has a question about Alberta Health Services, has a concern, or needs help using the healthcare system, call 1-844-944-4744.
