This article will discuss the symptoms of long COVID.
Long COVID are the long term symptoms that can persist following an acute infection with COVID-19. Whilst symptoms of acute infection are expected to improve within 1-2 weeks, there has been a rise in cases of long COVID.
A large Dutch study found that following infection with COVID-19, people were more likely to experience the following symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Painful breathing
- Pain in the muscles and bones
- Sensation of a lump in the throat
- Loss of sense of smell
- Loss of sense of taste
- Tingling in the hands and feet
- Memory problems also known as ‘brain fog’
- Heaviness in the arms or legs
Other symptoms were common in the population who had not had COVID-19 as well as those with COVID-19 and therefore was considered non-specific:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Back pain
- Nausea
- Itchy eyes
Women in the study reported greater severity of symptoms compared to men.
Overall 1 in 8 people were affected.
The NHS defines long COVID as symptoms that persist beyond 4-12 weeks without another clear cause.
How can I prevent long COVID?
Long COVID is still not fully understood. Long COVID appears to affect all age groups. The greatest number of sufferers are those who were not hospitalised during acute infection and who reported a mild acute illness.
Small studies suggest that vaccinated individuals are less likely to develop long COVID.
Much more research is needed to understand what causes long COVID.
What is being done to support people suffering with ‘Long COVID’?
- More funding for research
- Development of diagnostic tools to help health care workers identify patients
- Interactive online platform ‘Your Covid Recovery‘ is a fantastic resource for patients
- Facilities for long COVID services. Referral to services is via the GP and availability is dependent on region.
Are you eligible for a COVID booster?
