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Long COVID

Long COVID and your lungs

How long your recovery takes depends on many factors – it could take weeks or months. Long COVID isn’t the same for everyone, so you may need different care and support to other people who have had it.

Here we explain how you can help your breathing after having coronavirus, as well as how to manage a cough. 
 
If you have a pre-existing heart or lung condition, speak to your healthcare professional, so that you’re sure you’re getting the right treatment for your symptoms. 

In this section:

  1. Managing breathlessness
    1. I need to clear mucus from my lungs
    2. I’m breathless
    3. I’m on oxygen
    4. I can’t eat or drink easily
  2. Managing a cough
    1. ​If you have a dry cough
    2. If you have a cough with phlegm
    3. Should I stop smoking?​

Next: Managing breathlessness> 

We use your comments to improve our information. We cannot reply to comments left on this form. If you have health concerns or need clinical advice, call our helpline on 03000 030 555 between 9am and 5pm on a weekday or email them.

Last medically reviewed: February 2021. Due for review: May 2021

This information uses the best available medical evidence and was produced with the support of people living with lung conditions. Find out how we produce our information. If you’d like to see our references get in touch.