What is long COVID?

 

Post COVID-19 Syndrome is also called long COVID. It describes the signs and symptoms that develop during or following an infection consistent with COVID-19, which continue for more than 12 weeks and are not explained by an alternative diagnosis.

The condition usually presents with clusters of symptoms, often overlapping, which may change over time and can affect any system within your body. 

 

The severity of your illness after catching COVID-19 does not indicate whether you will go on to develop long COVID. In other words, you may have a mild dose of COVID-19 and then develop long COVID. Or, you may have been severely ill with COVID-19 and then suffer no longer term after effects.

Commonly reported symptoms

  • Fatigue
  • Breathlessness
  • Chills and sweats
  • A fast heart rate at rest or on exertion
  • Headaches
  • Poor concentration and short term memory problems
  • Voice problems
  • Muscle weakness
  • Pain – back/joint/muscular and chest
  • Anxiety
  • Dizziness
  • Flare up/exacerbation of pre-existing health problems
  • Hair loss
  • Skin rashes
  • Tinnitus
  • Gastro-intestinal issues
  • Loss of taste and smell
  • Numbness/pins and needles
  • Insomnia
  • Hormonal imbalance

Please seek advice from your GP or by calling 111 if you feel your symptoms are worsening and might need further investigation.

The emotional impact of long COVID