What is Long Covid?
Around 1 in 5 covid patients suffer from long covid syndrome. Symptoms can vary patient to patient but common symptoms include: high temperature, fatigue, brain fog, anxiety & depression, breathlessness and generalised pain. Patients may need further support to aid recovery and rehabilitation. In October 2020 NHS England/Improvement (NHSE/I) announced plans for Long Covid clinics; ensuring specialist support is available for patients referred to the clinic by their GP.
How can I access my local long covid clinic?
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms as listed on the NHS guidance pages, please contact your GP for further assessment.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and the impact they’re having on your life.
They may suggest some tests to find out more about your symptoms and rule out other things that could be causing them.
These might include:
- blood tests
- checking your blood pressure and heart rate
- a chest X-ray
Your doctor will talk to you about the care and support you might need. You may be given advice about how to manage and monitor your symptoms at home.
If the symptoms are having a big impact on your life, you may be referred to a specialist rehabilitation service or a service that specialises in the specific symptoms you have.
Is any other support available?
GPs can also direct patients to www.yourcovidrecovery.nhs.uk for general support and information
