NHS encourages residents in Coventry & Warwickshire to think ‘it could be Long Covid’
The NHS is encouraging people that have been unwell with Covid-19 and who have lasting symptoms to think ‘it could be Long Covid’ and contact their GP.
Despite being post-pandemic, Covid-19 has not ‘gone away’ and even when people get over the initial illness, many continue to experience symptoms long after recovering from the virus. This condition, often called Long Covid or Post-Covid Syndrome, can affect anyone who has had Covid-19, regardless of the severity of their initial infection.
Long Covid is a term used to describe ongoing symptoms that persist for more than 12 weeks after Covid-19 and aren’t explained by an alternative diagnosis. Long Covid can affect people of all ages, including those who experienced only mild symptoms during their initial bout with the virus. While some individuals recover fully from Covid-19, others develop a range of lingering health issues, collectively referred to as Long Covid. The condition can significantly impact daily life, making it difficult for people to return to their normal routines.
If you have had Covid-19 and are suffering with fatigue, breathlessness, or a cough, it could be Long Covid. Symptoms also include (but are not limited to):
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
- Brain fog
- Heart palpitations
- Altered smell and taste
You can find out more about symptoms on the NHS website.
Dr Tim Robbins, Consultant Physician, said: “There are a broad range of symptoms that can be caused by Long COVID. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms and think it could be Long Covid, you should make an appointment to see your GP. Even if your symptoms are mild, it’s important not to dismiss them, get them checked.
“Long COVID can impact your personal, family and work life amongst other things – support is available.
“The wide range of symptoms associated with Long Covid can be mistakenly linked with other conditions, so it’s important to see your GP to be referred if appropriate.
“The clinic will provide support and guidance to help manage the impact that your symptoms’ have on your daily life, and different health and care professionals will work with you to tailor a care plan which addresses your specific health issues.”
To find out more about Long Covid click here.
FAQs:
What the Long Covid service offers:
A period of education, support and guidance to help manage long covid symptoms’ impact on daily life, including:
- fatigue management
- breathlessness management
- optimising rest and recovery
- cognitive strategies
- advice on self-care, e.g. sleep
- emotional well-being
- guidance about managing work, exercise and other daily activities
- optimising nutritional intake
This is achieved through 1:1 or group sessions.
The clinical team may liaise with other services involved in your care to support your recovery. People with severe symptoms, or the suggestion of other underlying conditions are jointly managed with medical doctors.
Specialities in the Long Covid Service include:
Occupational Therapy (OT): OT aims to support people to engage in the activities, roles and routines that are important to them, at home, at work and in community and leisure settings. This often involves fatigue management advice.
Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy aims to support you to maximise your function. This often involves advice around managing breathlessness.
Psychology: Aims to provide psychological support to help you manage any changes in your life after having Covid.
Medical management: Consultant review is available within the service.
Dietitian: Dietitians assess dietary intake and advise on ensuring a well-balanced diet. We also advise patients with gastrointestinal issues, reflux, weight loss, poor appetite, type 2 diabetes, weight management and smell and taste changes.