Long COVID

• State disability assistance programs: The Colorado Aid to the Needy Disabled (AND) program provides cash assistance to qualifying disabled individuals.
• Health First Colorado Buy-In Program For Working Adults With Disabilities also known as Medicaid Buy-in Program is a benefit designed for working adult Coloradans with disabilities to earn money, retain assets, and access critical Medicaid services including home and community-based long-term services and supports. The program allows people whose income is over the Medicaid threshold, but is below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) or about $11,020 a month to qualify. If you are working and have a disability you can apply for it. If you do not have a current disability determination from the Social Security Administration, fill out the Health First Colorado Disability Application and submit through Colorado PEAK online or mail it or drop it off at your county of residence's local county office.
• Watch this video about how the Medicaid buy-in Program changed a patient’s life
• Shorter video about Medicaid Program  

Help applying for Social Security disability benefits: 

• Supports are available to help you understand and apply for Social Security disability benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). The Colorado Disability Funding Committee (CDFC) can connect you with one of the organizations they fund to assist with applying for these programs and other disability benefits, and your local Center for Independent Living can support you with applying as well.
• The Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) can also help you understand social security disability benefits and to apply for it. Fill out the assistance request form to get assistance.
• You can also visit the Social Security Administration (SSA) website to apply for benefits.

Workplace accommodations and return-to-work guidance

• You may qualify for workplace accommodations if Long COVID is making it hard for you to perform your job or manage everyday activities. Long COVID can cause ongoing symptoms – like fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath, or pain – that affect your ability to work, even if those symptoms come and go.
• Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Long COVID can be considered a disability if it seriously limits one or more major life activities, such as working, concentrating, walking, or breathing. Everyone’s situation is different, so an individual assessment is needed to decide if your condition qualifies.
• If Long COVID is affecting your work, talk to your employer or human resources department about possible changes or “accommodations” that could help you stay employed, such as adjusting your schedule, working from home, or changing some job duties.
• The Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) is available to help you prepare for employment, including navigating limitations related to your Long COVID symptoms. Fill out the assistance request form to get assistance.
• The New York State Insurance Fund has handouts for employers about Long COVID in multiple languages.
• You can also seek assistance from the Rocky Mountain ADA Center. It provides guidance on ADA and workplace accommodations by filling out the form or calling 800-949-4232

Education accommodations 

• Students with Long COVID may qualify for disability accommodations if their symptoms make it harder to learn, concentrate, or take part in school activities. Under laws like Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), schools are required to support students whose health conditions impact their ability to succeed in school.
• Accommodations could include more time for taking tests for a student who has difficulty concentrating, or more time for assignments for a student with fatigue. Other support might include breaks during class, modified physical activity, or the option to attend school part-time while recovering.
• To request accommodations, families can talk to a school nurse, counselor, or special education coordinator. A health care provider may need to complete a form to help the school understand the student’s condition.
• Families can also get free support from Parent Training and Information Centers. These centers help parents understand their rights and how to work with schools to support their children. Visit the Center for Parent Information and Resources to find your local center.
• For more information and resources, see the Department of Education’s Long COVID under Section 504 and the IDEA: A Resource to Support Children, Students, Educators, Schools, Service Providers, and Families.

Housing and food assistance

• Colorado's Division of Housing at the Department of Local Affairs offers several housing voucher programs to assist low-income residents, including those with disabilities. These programs provide rental subsidies and supportive services to help individuals access stable housing. Notable programs include the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program, Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH), and the Section 811 program for people with disabilities. These programs aim to support individuals with disabilities, including those with Long COVID, by providing affordable housing and services to maintain housing stability.
• Emergency rental assistance programs: Apply for Colorado Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) through your local housing authority.
• Housing choice vouchers: You can contact your local Public Housing Authority (PHA) to apply for vouchers.

• You can contact your local public housing authority for assistance. 

• Individuals facing homelessness or eviction can find resources by calling 2-1-1 Colorado.
• Home modifications for accessibility are available through Medicaid for members who qualify, Brothers Redevelopment, and the Home Builders Foundation.
• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program): Apply online through Colorado PEAK or at your local Department of Human Services office.
• Local food pantries and meal services: Use the Hunger Free Colorado Food Resource Hotline, or call the Food Resource Hotline toll free at 855-855-4626 (Monday-Thursday 8:30am-4:30 p.m.) to connect you with food banks and nutrition resources across Colorado.
• View 211’s food resource map to find available options near you. 

Financial assistance programs

• Utility bill assistance: Apply for Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) for help with heating bills. For additional utility assistance, visit the Energy Outreach Colorado program.
• Emergency cash assistance programs: There are two cash assistance programs provided by the Colorado Department of Human Services.
  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) through Colorado Works provides temporary cash assistance to families in need.
  • Colorado's Adult Financial Programs provide financial assistance to low-income adults who are elderly, blind, or have disabilities. These programs include Aid to the Needy Disabled (AND), Home Care Allowance, Personal Care Allowance, Old Age Pension (OAP), Burial Assistance, and other support services aimed at helping eligible individuals meet basic needs. Assistance may include cash benefits, healthcare support, and help with essential living expenses.
• To apply for any of these programs, use the Colorado PEAK website or fill out the application of your choice and return it by mail, fax or in person to your local county human services office. Once approved, you can access cash assistance by using your EBT card or by selecting direct deposit. Utility assistance will be directly paid to the utility provider.

Patient rights and self-advocacy tips: Patients have the right to request reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) if Long COVID symptoms impact daily life or work. Contact the Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition for self-advocacy support.

Peer support groups: Join the Long COVID peer support group in Loveland, Colorado, which provides credible information and resources to those affected by Long COVID. 

The Bateman Horne Center offers virtual support groups for individuals with chronic illnesses, including Long COVID and ME/CFS providing spaces for connection, shared learning, and community support. These gatherings include guided discussions and presentations, aiming to navigate life while living with a complex chronic illness. To attend, click on the button view calendar here, choose the online support group session from the calendar and register.

While most people recover from COVID-19 within a few days to a few weeks, some people continue to feel sick for a longer period of time. Sometimes, people will recover from their initial COVID-19 infection and then start to feel sick again. When symptoms related to acute COVID-19 infection continue or come and go for 3 months or more, this is known as Long COVID. Alternate terms used include Post-COVID Conditions (PCC), long-haul COVID, chronic COVID, or Post Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV 2 infection (PASC).

Long COVID is defined as a chronic condition that occurs after COVID-19 infection and is present for at least 3 months. It includes a wide range of symptoms or conditions–such as fatigue, shortness of breath, brain fog, and pain–that may persist from the initial infection, get worse over time, or come and go. These symptoms and conditions can last for weeks, months, or even years and can make it hard to work, go to school, or do everyday activities, even if the person’s first COVID-19 illness was mild. You can find more information about the Long COVID definition in this one-page summary and the full report. 

Long COVID symptoms can last weeks, months, or years after COVID-19 illness and can emerge, persist, resolve, and re-emerge over different lengths of time. Fatigue, problems with memory often called brain fog, and worsening symptoms after physical or mental activity also known as post-exertional malaise (PEM) are the most common symptoms, but more than 200 Long COVID symptoms have been identified. A list of common symptoms include:

General symptoms

• Tiredness or fatigue that interferes with daily life
• Symptoms that get worse after physical or mental effort
• Body pain
• Fever

Respiratory and heart symptoms

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Coughing
• Chest pain
• Fast-beating or pounding heart (also known as heart palpitations)

Neurological symptoms

• Difficulty thinking or concentrating (sometimes referred to as "brain fog")
• Headaches
• Sleep problems
• Dizziness when you stand up (lightheadedness)
• Pins-and-needles feelings
• Change in smell or taste
• Depression or anxiety

Digestive Symptoms

• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Stomach pain

Other symptoms

• Joint or muscle pain
• Rash
• Changes in menstrual cycles

Anyone who has had a COVID-19 infection, regardless of age, sex, race and ethnicity, baseline health status, and severity of initial COVID 19 infection, can develop Long COVID. However, some people may be at greater risk for Long COVID than others. This includes:

• Women
• Hispanic and Latino people
• People who did not receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
• People who experienced more severe COVID-19 illness, especially those who were hospitalized or needed intensive care.
• People who have other health problems like diabetes, heart disease, or asthma, and adults 65 or older.
• People with less access to health care due to health inequities.

Researchers are still learning more about how COVID-19 can lead to Long COVID in some people. In some cases, the virus may damage the body’s cells and tissues, including the lungs, brain, or blood vessels. Sometimes, even after the virus is gone, the immune system stays “turned on” and causes ongoing inflammation, which can lead to long-term symptoms. In other cases, pieces of the virus may stay in the body for a long time, keeping the immune system active. Long COVID may also happen when COVID-19 causes changes in the gut, blood clotting, or how the brain and nerves work. These different changes may explain why people experience different symptoms, such as fatigue, brain fog, or trouble breathing.

Studies show that between 5 and 30 percent of COVID-19 survivors in the United States develop Long COVID. According to the August 2024 Census Household Pulse Survey, 20.1% of adult Coloradans report having ever developed Long COVID, while 7.6% of adult Coloradans reported currently experiencing Long COVID. In Colorado’s 2023 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey, 14% of people who had COVID-19 reported still having symptoms three months or more after their initial illness.

Long COVID is not contagious. It does not spread from person to person like an active COVID-19 infection. Long COVID happens when a person continues to have symptoms after the initial infection has passed. This can include ongoing inflammation, damage to organs, or leftover pieces of the virus that stay in the body. While Long COVID can have serious and lasting effects, it cannot be “caught” from someone who has it.

Yes. Even young children who get COVID-19 can sometimes develop Long COVID. This means they might keep having symptoms like tiredness, trouble sleeping, or difficulty focusing, even after they recover from the initial illness. While Long COVID is less common in children than in adults, it can still happen, even after a mild case. Getting vaccinated helps protect children from getting very sick and may also lower the chance of developing Long COVID. Getting COVID more than once has been shown to increase the risk of being diagnosed with Long COVID in children.

We are still learning how long different symptoms of Long COVID can last. For some, Long COVID symptoms may last three months after an infection, while for others, symptoms can continue even longer—sometimes for years. Everyone’s experience is different. Some people gradually start to feel better, some have symptoms that come and go, and others may feel worse over time. Researchers are continuing to study why this happens and how to help people recover. Some Long COVID related conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), and dysautonomia, are chronic conditions that may last a lifetime.

The best prevention is to avoid getting COVID-19 infection or re-infection in the first place. Avoid close contact with people who have suspected or confirmed COVID-19. Each time a person is infected, they have a risk of developing Long COVID. Being up to date with COVID 19 vaccination lowers the risk of the worst outcomes of the illness and also lowers the chances of developing Long COVID, including among children and adolescents. Some studies suggest that additional doses might lead to greater protection. Other precautions, like washing your hands, wearing a mask, and avoiding indoor crowds, can also help prevent COVID-19 infection. For more information about getting vaccines, visit the CDPHE COVID-19 vaccine webpage.

In general, if you are still feeling poorly after an infection, it's a good idea to talk to a health care provider, especially if your symptoms are getting worse, if it’s hard to manage your symptoms at home, if you're having trouble doing everyday things–like focusing, sleeping, or getting through your normal routine.

Some Long COVID symptoms can look like other health problems, so it's important to see a provider to rule out other conditions. Start by talking to your regular doctor. If you don’t have one, you can visit a community health center, check your insurance company portal for a list of primary care physicians, or visit the Health First Colorado website to find care. A health care provider can help you create a plan to manage your symptoms and feel better over time—even if your first tests come back normal.

If you have any life-threatening symptoms, call 911 immediately.

CDC has a health care appointment checklist for Long COVID patients that you can fill out before your appointment. Getting Ready to Talk about Long COVID with Your Child’s Doctor by RECOVER Initiative provides information about Long COVID in children and the steps you can take to learn more how to get the help you need and prepare for an appointment. If your child has symptoms, talking with their doctor would help. 

Below are some questions to consider for an appointment.

• What are the symptoms, conditions, and impacts on your quality of life and activities of daily living that this provider is to address
• What do you want to come out of this medical appointment? Are you asking for a referral, specific tests or labs, a specific diagnosis, or a specific treatment? What treatments are available for your symptoms? Do you need help completing forms needed for accommodations, disability application, or support services?

Long COVID can be hard to diagnose because symptoms can be different for each person, may not show up right away, and don’t always appear on standard tests like X-rays or blood work. This can make it frustrating if your health care provider doesn’t take your symptoms seriously. If that happens, try to explain your history with COVID-19 and how your symptoms have changed over time. You can also ask your provider to consider Long COVID as a possible cause. If you still don’t feel heard, it’s okay to seek a second opinion. You deserve to be listened to and supported in your care. When conducting evaluations, healthcare providers should consider Long COVID as a potential diagnosis if patients report symptoms consistent with Long COVID. 

Right now, there is no specific test that can tell you if you have Long COVID. Your health care provider will consider a diagnosis of Long COVID based on your health history and an examination. Your provider may also run tests to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms. 

You might be diagnosed with Long COVID if: 

You had a COVID-19 infection Your symptoms appeared following your COVID-19 infection Other medical conditions do not explain your symptoms Your symptoms don’t go away with time and rest.

Currently, there is no specific treatment recommended for everyone with Long COVID. You and your health care provider can work together to create a personal care plan to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. The overall goal is to help you get back to normal functions, including work, school, social interactions, recreational activities and exercise, and to prevent long-term issues. 

Treatment for Long COVID varies depending on a person’s symptoms and other health conditions. For example, people with fatigue may benefit from learning how to pace their daily activities to manage their energy, people with brain fog may benefit from focusing on one activity at a time, and people who have trouble sleeping may benefit from improving sleep hygiene. Your provider may prescribe specific medicines to reduce your symptoms. 

Long COVID treatment may need to be coordinated among multiple health care providers. Your primary care provider can help guide your care and refer you to specialists based on your symptoms. This might include heart doctors (cardiologists), lung doctors (pulmonologists), brain and nerve specialists (neurologists), immune system experts, mental health professionals, or rehabilitation providers. For some people, it may work best to have one provider who knows them well and can manage their care over time.

Yes, Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS) is considered a post-COVID condition. It usually develops weeks after a COVID-19 infection and can cause inflammation in different parts of the body, such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes, or stomach. MIS can affect both children (MIS-C) and adults (MIS-A), and it requires medical care. What causes some people to develop MIS-C/MIS-A is not known. 

While MIS is different from Long COVID, it is classified as a post-COVID condition because it happens after a COVID-19 infection and shares some similar symptoms, such as lasting effects on different parts of the body. Learn more about Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) and Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Adults (MIS-A). 

Yes, researchers are currently studying Long COVID. One major effort is the RECOVER study, led by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which aims to understand why some people develop long-term symptoms after a COVID-19 infection while others fully recover. Other studies across the country are also working to find better ways to diagnose, treat, and prevent Long COVID. 

You can learn more—or explore how to join a study—by visiting the RECOVER or NIH Clinical Trials websites. In Colorado, RECOVER Initiative has two research sites located at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and Denver Health. Together, they have enrolled about 400 participants, with a focus on reaching Hispanic, rural, and medically underserved communities. Interested potential participants can email recovertrials@cuanschutz.edu for information on enrollment. For more information, visit RECOVER Initiative in Colorado.

Yes, you may qualify for disability benefits or workplace accommodations if Long COVID is making it hard for you to perform your job or manage everyday activities. Long COVID can cause ongoing symptoms–like fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath, or pain–that affect your ability to work, even if those symptoms come and go.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Long COVID can be considered a disability if it seriously limits one or more major life activities, such as working, concentrating, walking, or breathing. Everyone’s situation is different, so an individual assessment is needed to decide if your condition qualifies.

If Long COVID is affecting your work, talk to your employer or human resources department about possible changes or “accommodations” that could help you stay employed, such as adjusting your schedule, working from home, or changing some job duties. 

For more information review the Department of Health and Human Services Guidance on “Long COVID” as a Disability Under the ADA or reach out to local organizations like the Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition for help understanding your rights and how to advocate for yourself. You can also seek assistance from the Rocky Mountain ADA Center that provides guidance on ADA and workplace accommodations by filling out the form or calling 800-949-4232.

Yes. Students with Long COVID may qualify for disability accommodations if their symptoms make it harder to learn, concentrate, or take part in school activities. Under laws like Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), schools are required to support students whose health conditions impact their ability to succeed in school.

Accommodations could include more time for taking tests for a student who has difficulty concentrating, or more time for assignments for a student with fatigue. Other support might include breaks during class, modified physical activity, or the option to attend school part-time while recovering.

To request accommodations, families can talk to a school nurse, counselor, or special education coordinator. A healthcare provider may need to complete a form to help the school understand the student’s condition.

Families can also get free support from Parent Training and Information Centers. These centers help parents understand their rights and how to work with schools to support their children. Visit the Center for Parent Information and Resources to find your local center. For more information and resources, see the Department of Education’s Long COVID under Section 504 and the IDEA: A Resource to Support Children, Students, Educators, Schools, Service Providers, and Families.

Supports are available to help you understand and apply for Social Security disability benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). The Colorado Disability Funding Committee (CDFC) can connect you with one of the organizations they fund to assist with applying for these programs and other disability benefits, and your local Center for Independent Living can support you with applying as well.   

The Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) is available to help you prepare for employment, including navigating limitations related to your Long COVID symptoms. Fill out the assistance request form to get assistance. 

DVR can also help you understand social security disability benefits and to apply for it. 

Yes. You may qualify for the Health First Colorado Buy-In Program For Working Adults With Disabilities also known as Medicaid Buy-in Program. This is a benefit designed for working adult Coloradans with disabilities to cover the cost of medical care and therapies. It also covers services that support daily living — like help with eating, dressing, bathing, getting around, and transportation — as well as home and community-based long-term care. The program allows people whose income is over the Medicaid threshold, but is below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) to qualify. 

If you are working and have a disability you can apply. If you do not have a current disability determination from the Social Security Administration, fill out the Health First Colorado Disability Application and submit through Colorado PEAK online, mail it, or drop it off at your county of residence's local county office.