COVID recovery screening test preparation

Overview

COVID recovery screening is a set of tests your doctor may order to check how well your body has healed after a COVID-19 infection. The tests look at your lungs, heart, blood, and overall health to find any lingering effects of the virus.

Yes, many people who have had COVID-19, especially those with moderate to severe illness or ongoing symptoms, are offered recovery screening to monitor their health.

Anyone who has had COVID-19 may be offered screening, but it is most common in people with lingering symptoms, those who were hospitalised, older adults, and individuals with underlying health conditions.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Feeling very tired (fatigue)
• Shortness of breath, especially with activity
• Cough that doesn't go away
• Chest pain or tightness
• Heart racing or palpitations
• Brain fog (trouble concentrating or remembering)
• Muscle or joint aches
• Loss of smell or taste that lasts

Symptoms in children

• Unusual tiredness that lasts
• Trouble breathing during play or exercise
• Chest discomfort
• Poor appetite or weight loss
• Trouble sleeping

Symptoms in older adults

• Noticeable drop in energy or mobility
• Worsening of existing health conditions (like heart or lung disease)
• Confusion or memory problems
• Shortness of breath with simple tasks
• Unintentional weight loss

Causes

Main causes

• Having had a COVID-19 infection, even a mild one
• The body's immune response to the virus can sometimes cause ongoing inflammation in organs like the lungs and heart

Risk factors

• Severe COVID-19 illness (including hospitalisation)
• Older age (especially over 65)
• Pre-existing health conditions such as lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, or obesity
• Being unvaccinated or not having had a booster
• Prolonged time on a ventilator during COVID-19

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have new or worsening chest pain, severe breathlessness, or feel like you might pass out

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you are still feeling unwell weeks after your COVID-19 infection and want to check your recovery
• If you had severe COVID-19 and your doctor recommended follow-up screening
• If you have new symptoms like ongoing cough, fatigue, or heart racing

Diagnosis

Your doctor will talk with you about your symptoms, medical history, and the COVID-19 illness you had. Based on that, they may recommend a series of screening tests to see how your body has recovered.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests – to check for inflammation, organ function, and antibodies
• Lung function tests (spirometry) – to see how well your lungs work
• Chest X-ray or CT scan – to look for damage or scarring in your lungs
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) – to check your heart's electrical activity
• Echocardiogram – an ultrasound of your heart to see its structure and function
• Six-minute walk test – to measure your exercise capacity

What to expect at your appointment

Before some tests, you may be asked to avoid eating, smoking, or certain medications for a short time. Wear loose, comfortable clothes. The tests are usually painless, though blood tests may cause a quick pinch. Your doctor or nurse will explain each test and what you need to do. Most screenings are done as an outpatient, meaning you go home the same day.

Treatment

Treatment after COVID recovery screening depends on what the tests show. If there are no problems, your doctor may simply give advice on lifestyle and gradual return to activities. If issues are found, treatment aims to help you regain strength and manage any lingering effects.

Self-care at home

• Rest when you need to, and gradually increase activity as you feel able
• Do gentle breathing exercises (like pursed-lip breathing) if you feel short of breath
• Keep a symptom diary to share with your doctor
• Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol

Medical treatments

Doctors may suggest treatments such as pulmonary rehabilitation (a program of exercise and education for breathing problems), cardiac rehabilitation for heart issues, or medicines to control inflammation or blood clots. The specific treatments will be tailored to you and will not include any named medications here – always ask your doctor what is prescribed and why.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is very rarely needed after COVID-19. In extremely severe cases of lung scarring (fibrosis) or heart damage, a specialist team may discuss options, but this is not common.

Living with this condition

Recovering your strength after COVID-19 takes time. Listen to your body – plan your day so you have rest breaks. Pace yourself and avoid pushing through extreme fatigue. Many people find it helpful to focus on small, achievable goals each day.

Lifestyle tips

• Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep each night
• Reduce stress with gentle activities like walking, meditation, or listening to music
• Avoid heavy exercise until your doctor says it's safe
• Keep in touch with friends and family – isolation can slow recovery

Diet and exercise

Eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. If you are tired, small frequent meals may help. For exercise, start with short walks or gentle stretching, and only increase duration and intensity slowly as you feel better. Your doctor may give you a specific plan after your test results.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Recovery from COVID-19 can feel frustrating, especially if symptoms last. You may feel anxious about your health, sad, or angry. These feelings are normal. Talk to your doctor if they don't improve – they can connect you with support services. If you are in crisis, reach out to your local emergency number or a crisis helpline.

Prevention

Having COVID-19 is the main reason for recovery screening. You can lower your risk of long COVID by getting vaccinated and boosted, wearing masks in crowded indoor spaces, and practicing good hand hygiene. However, if you do get COVID-19, screening can help prevent complications by catching problems early.

Vaccines

COVID-19 vaccines greatly reduce the risk of severe illness and long COVID. They do not prevent you from needing screening if you have had the virus, but they make serious problems less likely. Talk to your doctor about staying up to date with vaccines.

Screening programmes

Recovery screening itself is a preventive measure – it helps identify issues before they become serious. If you are offered screening, it is a step toward taking care of your long-term health.

Complications

If left untreated

• Persistent lung damage that can cause ongoing shortness of breath
• Heart problems such as irregular heartbeat or reduced pumping function
• Chronic fatigue syndrome (myalgic encephalomyelitis)
• Blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism) or legs (deep vein thrombosis)
• Ongoing pain, trouble sleeping, and mental health struggles

Long-term outlook

For most people, the outlook after COVID-19 is good – the body has a remarkable ability to heal. Even if screening finds problems, early treatment and rehabilitation can help many people get back to their normal lives. With patience, support, and good medical care, you can improve over time.

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