Effective May 11, 2023: Oregon’s public health officials have lifted several COVID-19 response measures as the federal emergency ends. Learn more about the latest changes here.

COVID-19 Symptoms

When to get emergency medical help

Look for emergency warning signs for COVID-19. If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care right away:

  • Trouble breathing

  • Pain or pressure in the chest that does not stop

  • New confusion

  • Inability to wake or stay awake

  • Bluish lips or face

This list does not cover all possible symptoms. Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that you are worried about. Call 911 or call ahead to your local emergency facility and tell the operator that you need care for someone who has or may have COVID-19.

What about ongoing symptoms or “long COVID-19”?

Some people who have been infected by the virus that causes COVID-19 may experience long-term symptoms that are still present four weeks or longer after the infection resolves. Sometimes called long COVID-19, long-haul COVID, chronic COVID, post-acute COVID-19, or post-acute COVID syndrome, these conditions can include a wide range of symptoms.

Most commonly reported symptoms include:

  • Tiredness or fatigue that interferes with daily life
  • Fever
  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Cough
  • Chest pain
  • Fast or irregular heart beat
  • Difficulty thinking or concentrating (sometimes called “brain fog”)
  • Headaches
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Dizziness when standing up
  • Change in ability to smell or taste
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Stomach pain or diarrhea
  • Joint or muscle pain
  • Rash
  • Changes in menstrual cycles
  • Symptoms worsening after physical or mental exertion

Symptoms can begin after the infection has resolved, disappear, reappear and last weeks, months or years.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and it’s been four weeks or more since your infection, talk with your health care provider for specific guidance. If you don’t have a health care provider, call 211 for help finding one.

Who is more at risk for long COVID?

  • People who have experienced more severe COVID-19 illness, especially those who were hospitalized or needed intensive care.

  • People who had underlying health conditions prior to getting COVID-19.

  • People who did not get a COVID-19 vaccine.

How can I protect myself from Long COVID?

The best way to protect yourself and others from post-COVID conditions is by staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters.

For more information and resources about long COVID, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.