Long-term effects of coronavirus

(long COVID)

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For some people, coronavirus (COVID-19) can cause symptoms that last  weeks or months after the infection has gone. This is sometimes called

post-COVID-19 syndrome or "long COVID".

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About long COVID

How long it takes to recover from COVID-19 is different for everybody.  Many people feel better in a few days or weeks and most will make a full recovery within 12 weeks. But for some people, symptoms can last longer.

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The chances of having long-term symptoms does not seem to be linked to how ill you are when you first get COVID-19.  People who had mild symptoms at first can still have long-term problems.

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Symptoms of long COVID

There are lots of symptoms you can have after a COVID-19 infection.

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Common long COVID symptoms include:

• extreme tiredness (fatigue)

• shortness of breath

• chest pain or tightness

• problems with memory and concentration ("brain fog")

• difficulty sleeping (insomnia)

• heart palpitations

• dizziness

• pins and needles

• joint pain

• depression and anxiety

• tinnitus, earaches

• feeling sick, diarrhoea, stomach aches, loss of appetite

• a high temperature, cough, headaches, sore throat, changes to sense of smell or taste

• rashes

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What support is available to you if you have been diagnosed

with long COVID

 

Some people with milder symptoms may be able to help themselves through self-management.

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By listening to people and asking, 'What matters to you?' a personalised care and support planning process based on what matters most to individuals is a crucial initial step in providing personalised care. 

 

Techniques such as shared decision making, SMART goat setting, health coaching, virtual group consultations and signposting to alternative support services.  This may also  include supporting people through the Your COVID Recovery interactive platform.