State Department of Health Launches New Website and Audio Resources to Support New Yorkers With Long COVID

Continuation of State's Ongoing Commitment to Respond to Long COVID Includes New, Accessible Resources to Guide Those Seeking Information and Providers Treating Long COVID Patients

Learn more at our Long COVID website here

ALBANY, N.Y. (September 21, 2022) – To support New Yorkers battling long COVID and the providers who care for them, the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) today announced the launch of a dedicated long COVID website, and audio resources, providing a more comprehensive and more accessible destination for the State's latest information. As long COVID response efforts continue – in partnership with national and global health experts – the State's new webpage offers information on what long COVID is, the symptoms, and how New Yorkers can prepare or seek treatment from healthcare providers.

This public information builds on New York State's ongoing work to fight long COVID statewide. To support New Yorkers currently struggling with long COVID, the website is also available in an audio format. The State's approach includes mounting a response that spans policy, regulatory, and program considerations - including education and awareness and ensuring access to care among vulnerable communities.

"As we continue to assess the impact of long COVID on New Yorkers and support clinical and diagnostic considerations, this new website and materials will help New Yorkers seeking care for long COVID symptoms," State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said. "Healthcare providers and New Yorkers should know that long COVID remains a serious, concerning condition, underscoring the importance of those struggling seeking, and being provided with care. All New Yorkers should stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations, as emerging research continues to suggest vaccination is protective against long COVID."

Long COVID, also known as post-COVID conditions, long-haul COVID, or chronic COVID, is a condition in which individuals infected with COVID-19 continue to experience a wide range of symptoms that can impact their daily lives. Symptoms associated with long COVID can range from mild to severe, which can include cardiovascular symptoms like heart palpitations, difficulty breathing and excessive fatigue. Symptoms can also include difficulty concentrating or other psychological manifestations.

Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19, including children, is at risk of getting long COVID. Even if symptoms of the initial infection are not severe, long COVID symptoms can still occur and can last for months or longer.

NYSDOH also continues to engage healthcare providers about supporting long COVID, should their patients present with symptoms, and reminds providers statewide that this is a serious condition that warrants attention and care.

Part of treating long COVID is providing equitable access to care, along with building trust with providers, especially within communities where COVID-19 has taken its largest toll. Symptoms may be misunderstood by healthcare providers, which can delay progress toward accurate diagnosis and treatment. Prioritizing education, resources and tools builds upon the State's ongoing efforts to expand New York's response to long COVID.

The best protection against long COVID is to stay up to date with all recommended vaccine doses. NYSDOH will continue to communicate openly with New Yorkers and work with public health authorities, specialists, and clinicians on ensuring that those living with long COVID are properly diagnosed and can access the treatment, support, and care they need.

Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine: COVID-19 Vaccine.

New Yorkers who test positive for COVID and think they may be suffering from long COVID can prepare to Discuss Post-COVID Conditions. There is also a Healthcare Appointment Checklist designed to help patients and caregivers get the most out of appointments with healthcare providers.

Because management of long COVID may require a team approach, a healthcare provider can help you get referrals to other providers who offer focused care.

New Yorkers who have, or had, COVID-19 and are not getting better should call their health care provider or visit our Provider List.

If you are struggling with long COVID symptoms or suspect you have long COVID and you do not have a health care provider, don't wait to seek care. Reach out to a health care provider as early as possible. If you do not have a health care provider, use the NYS Provider & Health Plan Look-Up Tool to find one that works with your health plan.

If you are a New York City resident, you can visit the NYC Health and Hospitals aftercare page for more resources.

Governor Hochul has also launched new, online education opportunities to help workers who believe they contracted COVID-19 due to an exposure at work, especially those suffering from ongoing long COVID symptoms. A new series of webinars - offered through the New York State Workers' Compensation Board - will provide information on workers' rights when it comes to filing a workers' compensation claim and the cash and/or medical benefits they may be eligible to receive.

For COVID-19-related questions and other information relating to health coverage, visit the NYS Department of Financial Services' COVID-19 FAQ page here.