This infographic is about:
Pharmacological and
Non-Pharmacological Interventions for Post COVID-19 Condition
(also known as long COVID)
I have post COVID-19 condition (PCC) — what can I do to help take care of my symptoms?
Post COVID-19 condition (also known as long COVID) usually appears within three months from an acute COVID-19 infection and lasts at least two months.
Symptoms (e.g., brain fog, fatigue, shortness of breath, pain) vary, can change or worsen over time, and significantly impact daily life, according to the World Health Organization.
There are various ways to take care of your symptoms, including both pharmacological and
non-pharmacological interventions
A pharmacological intervention is when medicine is used to take care of a health condition. This can include prescription drugs from a healthcare provider or over-the-counter medication that you can buy at the store.
What is a pharmacological intervention?
A non-pharmacological intervention is when something other than medicine is used to take care of a health condition. This can include rest, pacing yourself, exercise, therapy (e.g., physical therapy), or other lifestyle changes (e.g., nutrition, sleep) to help with symptoms.
What is a non-pharmacological intervention?
Some people may use both types of interventions to manage their symptoms.
People with PCC may have different symptoms, so management may be different for each person.
Which intervention type is right for you?
Raising awareness about PCC: what has been done and how can you take care of your symptoms?
The Canadian Guidelines for Post COVID-19 Condition (CAN-PCC) Collaborative has developed guidelines on pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for PCC to help in the management of symptoms. There are a number of recommendations to help adults make informed decisions about their health.
To see a full list of recommendations and good practice statements on pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for PCC in adults, click here.
What are some CAN-PCC recommendations for pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for PCC?
Pharmacological Interventions
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How do I find trusted information?There is lots of information available online for COVID-19 and PCC. It can feel overwhelming to sort through what is trustworthy. Misinformation and disinformation can make it hard to find reliable recommendations about COVID and PCC. What is misinformation? Misinformation is false or misleading information presented as facts, regardless of intent What is disinformation? Disinformation is a type of misinformation that is purposefully misleading Check the source – look to trusted health organizations like Health Canada or educational institutions like McMaster University, Cochrane Canada. Websites ending in .gov and .edu may be more trustworthy than other sources. Look for scientific evidence – trustworthy websites will often link to scientific publications where they found the information. Look at the date – try to find the latest version of information to stay up to date. The following resources may help you figure out what health information you can trust: Check Then Share | Canada's Centre for Digital and Media Literacy Evaluating Health Information | The University of California San Francisco Health
Non-pharmacological Interventions
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How do I find trusted information?There is lots of information available online for COVID-19 and PCC. It can feel overwhelming to sort through what is trustworthy. Misinformation and disinformation can make it hard to find reliable recommendations about COVID and PCC. What is misinformation? Misinformation is false or misleading information presented as facts, regardless of intent What is disinformation? Disinformation is a type of misinformation that is purposefully misleading Check the source – look to trusted health organizations like Health Canada or educational institutions like McMaster University, Cochrane Canada. Websites ending in .gov and .edu may be more trustworthy than other sources. Look for scientific evidence – trustworthy websites will often link to scientific publications where they found the information. Look at the date – try to find the latest version of information to stay up to date. The following resources may help you figure out what health information you can trust: Check Then Share | Canada's Centre for Digital and Media Literacy Evaluating Health Information | The University of California San Francisco Health
To see a full list of recommendations and good practice statements on pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for PCC in adults, click here.
Talk to a healthcare provider about which recommendations may be right for you
It is important to talk to a healthcare provider so they can support you and make a care plan that is right for you. Everyone’s symptoms and needs are different, so what worked for one person may not work for everyone.
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Here are some tips to guide your conversation:
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How do I find trusted information?There is lots of information available online for COVID-19 and PCC. It can feel overwhelming to sort through what is trustworthy. Misinformation and disinformation can make it hard to find reliable recommendations about COVID and PCC. What is misinformation? Misinformation is false or misleading information presented as facts, regardless of intent What is disinformation? Disinformation is a type of misinformation that is purposefully misleading Check the source – look to trusted health organizations like Health Canada or educational institutions like McMaster University, Cochrane Canada. Websites ending in .gov and .edu may be more trustworthy than other sources. Look for scientific evidence – trustworthy websites will often link to scientific publications where they found the information. Look at the date – try to find the latest version of information to stay up to date. The following resources may help you figure out what health information you can trust: Check Then Share | Canada's Centre for Digital and Media Literacy Evaluating Health Information | The University of California San Francisco Health
Remember, your healthcare provider is there to help you, so do not be afraid to ask questions and ask for clarification if you need it. If you have any concerns or need more help, your healthcare provider is the best person to give you personalized health advice that is right for you.
"It’s been 12 months since my symptoms started. I feel like I am slowly getting better. It has not been easy. My healthcare provider is supporting my medical journey. My family and friends are providing emotional comfort."
Ask for help and seek support from others
Asking for help and seeking support from others can bring comfort, shared experiences, and other advice that a healthcare provider may not be able to offer. A supportive community can encourage you and help you at each part of your PCC journey, making those challenging days feel easier to handle.
“I just want to talk to more people that get it because I'm so tired of talking to people who don't.“
— Person with lived PCC experience
There is also an online resource available called ‘Get Started with MyGuide: Long COVID’ that can help inform, equip and empower you in your journey with PCC.
Get started with MyGuide: Long COVID
MyGuide: Long COVID is a customizable guide for individuals who experience PCC symptoms, or those wanting to learn about recovering from lingering symptoms after a COVID-19 infection.
Visit the other guideline topics to learn more about:
More resources
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How do I find trusted information?There is lots of information available online for COVID-19 and PCC. It can feel overwhelming to sort through what is trustworthy. Misinformation and disinformation can make it hard to find reliable recommendations about COVID and PCC. What is misinformation? Misinformation is false or misleading information presented as facts, regardless of intent What is disinformation? Disinformation is a type of misinformation that is purposefully misleading Check the source – look to trusted health organizations like Health Canada or educational institutions like McMaster University, Cochrane Canada. Websites ending in .gov and .edu may be more trustworthy than other sources. Look for scientific evidence – trustworthy websites will often link to scientific publications where they found the information. Look at the date – try to find the latest version of information to stay up to date. The following resources may help you figure out what health information you can trust: Check Then Share | Canada's Centre for Digital and Media Literacy Evaluating Health Information | The University of California San Francisco Health
