Long COVID is real, life-altering, and very much misunderstood. For those of us dealing with it, we often encounter blank stares, dubious looks, or well-meaning (but completely off-the-mark) advice. So, let’s set the record straight. Here’s what long COVID isn’t—busting common myths with a bit of humour to lighten the load.
1. Long COVID Isn’t “Just in Your Head”
One of the most frustrating myths is that long COVID is all in the mind. I’ve had that conversation more times than I care to count. Nobody wakes up one day thinking, “You know what’s missing in my life? Some random fatigue, heart palpitations and elegant faints!
This isn’t a mood or a transient feeling—it’s a condition with physical symptoms that dominate our lives.
Yes, long COVID can impact mental health, but that doesn’t mean it originates there. Brain fog, crushing fatigue, and dizziness aren’t dramatic flair—they’re your body’s way of saying, “Still fighting over here!” It’s not all in the mind; it’s the virus overstaying its unwelcome.
2. It’s Not “Just Stress” or Anxiety
Here’s one we hear too often: “Maybe it’s just stress.” Spoiler alert: it’s not. Long COVID isn’t caused by stress or anxiety. Sure, it’s stressful to live with, and it can cause anxiety, but these are effects of the condition, not the root cause.
Having long COVID feels like running on 10% battery while juggling 100 tasks. Telling me to ‘just relax’ is like telling a car with an empty tank to ‘just drive slower.’ Nice idea, but it won’t get me any further!
3. Long COVID Isn’t Laziness or Lack of Effort
Let’s bust this myth straight away: having long COVID doesn’t mean you’re lazy. It’s not about being “just tired” either. This is exhaustion on a level that defies explanation—where even getting out of bed feels like scaling Everest.
It is not the fatigue that a nap or a coffee can fix. Pre-COVID me was active, busy, and always on the go. Now, if I’m lying down a lot, it’s not because I’m lazy—it’s because my body’s demanding a time-out. If it were possible to “push through,” we’d already be at the finish line. Sheer determination isn’t the cure—otherwise, we’d all be gold medallists in perseverance by now.
4. It’s Not the Same as “A Little Post-Virus Fatigue”
“Doesn’t everyone feel a bit tired after being ill?” Well, sure. But long COVID is a completely different feeling. Regular post-viral fatigue usually resolves in days or weeks. Long COVID, on the other hand, can last months—or even years.
This isn’t “Oh, I stayed up too late last night” tiredness. It’s body-wide exhaustion, muscle pain, and symptoms that flare up unpredictably. Standing up can feel like a Herculean task, and migraines, chest tightness, and dizziness often come along for the ride.
5. It’s Not the Flu or a Cold
“Oh, I had the flu once—I totally get it!” Spoiler: they don’t. Long COVID symptoms go far beyond a runny nose.
Long COVID is like someone pressed the malfunction button on your entire system. One minute, you’re standing; the next, you’re negotiating with your own heartbeat to chill out because it’s racing from absolutely nothing.
And let’s not even talk about how unpredictable it is. One day I feel semi-human; the next, it’s like my body’s hit the reset button on its energy supply. Consistency? Never heard of it.
Some people develop conditions like POTS (where just standing up sends your heart rate soaring), or issues with temperature and digestion. And unlike a cold, long COVID doesn’t just “clear up.” It’s more like your body is stuck in safe mode and can’t fully restart..
6. It’s Not Something a Positive Attitude Can Fix
Yes, a good mindset can help in managing long COVID, but it’s not a cure. Suggesting that we “stay positive” or “think happy thoughts” isn’t going to make the virus pack up and leave.
We’re all for optimism, but let’s not confuse hope with a treatment plan. Long COVID doesn’t respond to affirmations—it’s a physical condition, not a motivational challenge.
7. It’s Not as Simple as “Just Get More Exercise”
Another persistent myth is that exercise will fix everything. For many of us, exertion makes symptoms worse, thanks to something called Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM). Even light activity can leave some wiped out for days or weeks.
This isn’t about being unfit or unwilling—it’s about self-preservation. Yoga class might sound lovely, but for some of us, it’s an invitation to a flare-up. Long COVID doesn’t play fair when it comes to physical activity. Saying that, it is important to move if you can, based on your personal circumstances.
8. It’s Not “Just Allergies”
Some of us develop allergy-like reactions (hello, MCAS – Mast Cell Activation Syndrome!) where foods, perfumes, or fabrics suddenly trigger flare-ups. But this isn’t the same as being “a bit fussy” or “sensitive.” It’s more like your body decided to turn against its usual favourites.
Finding snacks or products that don’t provoke a rebellion can feel like solving a Rubik’s Cube in the dark. Suggestions for safe treats? Always welcome.
Setting the Record Straight
Living with long COVID means navigating a sea of misunderstandings, but busting these myths is a step towards greater awareness. It’s not “just” in our heads, it’s not “just stress,” and it’s definitely not something a power nap can fix.
Here’s to more conversations, more compassion, and less unsolicited advice.
Long Covid Journey 