LONG COVID FAQ'S

Long Covid can also be called Post Covid Syndrome/Condition. Post COVID-19 condition occurs in individuals with a history of probable or confirmed SARS CoV-2 infection (COVID-19), usually 3 months from the onset of COVID-19 with symptoms and that last for at least 2 months and cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis. Common symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, cognitive dysfunction but also others and generally have an impact on everyday functioning. Symptoms may be new onset following initial recovery from an acute COVID-19 episode or persist from the initial illness. Symptoms may also fluctuate or relapse over time. (WHO/2019-nCoV/Post_COVID-19_condition/Clinical_case_definition/2021.1, n.d.)

Long Covid can affect people in different ways and cause a variety of symptoms

According to the World Health Organization, 10-20% of people who contract COVID-19 develop mid to Long term effects. There are a a number of theories about what might cause Long Covid, currently there is research ongoing into a form of post viral syndrome, persistent virus in the gut, impacts on the immune system and mitochondria and organ/microvascular changes.

It can affect people of any age, including children, adults and older people. Anyone who contracts COVID-19 can develop Long Covid, it does not appear to be related to the severity of the initial infection. Some people who had no or mild symptoms when they had a positive test have Long Covid. There is lots of research ongoing into the causes. (FAQs, n.d.) For information on Long Covid in children visit Long Covid Kids

According to the World Health Organization, 10-20% of people who contract COVID-19 develop mid to long term effects. Over 2 Million people are currently thought to have Long Covid in the UK (ONS July 2022) which is approximately 3.1% of the population.

The only way to prevent Long Covid is to avoid catching COVID-19 Wear a well-fitted mask over your nose and mouth preferably an FFP2/N95 or FFP3 Open windows Cough or sneeze into your elbow Clean your hands frequently Vaccination Vaccination does not prevent Long Covid, but it reduces the risk of catching COVID-19 and therefore Long Covid Research suggests that vaccinated people are less likely to get Long Covid

No, Long Covid cannot be passed to others, Long Covid is a long-term condition following infection with the virus that causes COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2

Evidence shows that approximately 3 in every 4 people with fatigue from Long Covid have a type of fatigue called “post exertional”. This means that after doing something the body becomes tired in a way it would not have done previously. This can make it hard to manage as the symptoms are often worse the day after activity instead of at the time. This leads people into a pattern called “boom and bust”. 1 in every 4 people or 25% find that they can gradually increase their activity without this boom and bust pattern and for them, walking, swimming, gentle exercise can help with recovery. BUT for the 75% who find they feel worse after activity then a strategy called Pacing is the best way to cope. Here are some links to helpful resources on pacing: This series of videos explains why pacing is important and how to start doing it. It is something that takes time to learn and people with Long Covid often find their symptoms are better and worse rather than improving in a steady way. Leaflet on how to pace, and why 'Spoon theory' is a strategy that has been developed to help people manage their energy Long Covid Physio is an excellent resource

A number of people who have Long Covid also have a condition which is similar to POTs (Postural tachycardia syndrome) This is a useful website to check if your symptoms fit this pattern and for advice on how/when to seek help. https://www.potsuk.org/

The first step is to contact your GP. It can be really helpful to do the following: Make a list of all the symptoms related to your Long Covid Write down important dates, i.e. when you had Covid, when you noticed symptoms Think about which symptoms bother you the most, affect day to day life etc. If you were in hospital, and/or in ITU then you may have follow up through the hospital team.

They can assess to check if there is anything that needs urgent or specialist assessment which might not be due to Long Covid. Symptoms such as fatigue and weight loss can occur in other conditions which are important to rule out. They will usually undertake a set of basic blood tests as per the latest NHS guidance They can refer you to a Long Covid clinic in England They can treat certain symptoms, such as pain. If having Long Covid is causing anxiety or depression GPs can help

Currently there is no cure for Long Covid although people often slowly improve and learn to manage their symptoms. There is hope that over time Long Covid symptoms will resolve for the majority, but the honest answer is that we do not know.