Some people with COVID-19 infection have ongoing symptoms that remain for weeks, months, or longer, which is usually called “long COVID”. For some, these long-term effects of COVID-19 can be debilitating.
The effects of long Covid can be very different from person to person but they can include:
- Fatigue, tiredness, and exhaustion
- Cough
- Feeling short of breath
- Chest pain
- Palpitations
- Sore, or dry, throat
- Brain fog (problems with memory or concentration)
- Sleep problems
- Light-headedness
- Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (PoTS)
- Joint and muscle pain
- Loss of or altered smell and taste
- Vertigo
- Tinnitus
- Earache
- Stomach pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pins and needles or numbness in the hands and feet
- Mental health problems, like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder
For more information about Long Covid see here.
Sources of information and support:
Help managing fatigue
Website
How to manage post-viral fatigue after COVID-19 – RCOT
Printable guide
How to manage you energy levelsLearn good breathing techniques, boost wellbeing and promote relaxation
Websites
Long Covid – Mindsong
Physio for Breathing Pattern DisorderHelp recovering your sense of smell and taste
Websites
How to smell train – AbScent
Support & Resources – Fifth SensePostural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (PoTS)
Postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS) is when your heart rate increases very quickly after getting up from sitting or lying down, often making you feel dizzy or lightheaded.
Website
Home – PoTS UK
Postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS) – NHSWays to self manage pain
Website
Ten Footsteps to Living Well with Pain – Live Well with PainHelp with Thinking Skills/ Cognition
You may notice changes to your thinking skills (cognition) after COVID-19. You may find it harder to think clearly. This is called cognitive dysfunction, it is sometimes referred to as brain fog.
Website
Long COVID overview | RCSLT
Long Covid Assessment Service
Provided by GDOC, this service aims to provide a long Covid holistic assessment with onward referrals to relevant health, social care, and community support, and if needed referral to GHFT Long Covid Psychological Service.
Access to the service is by GP referral only. If you think you are suffering from Long Covid speak to your GP who can assess whether you meet the referral criteria.