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  1. Long COVID

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Show full transcript for Long COVID video

Post-COVID-19 syndrome or “long COVID”, is a term given when symptoms of COVID-19 last weeks or months after the infection has gone.

How long it takes to recover from Coronavirus varies from person to person. Many people will begin to feel better in a few days or weeks, with most people making a full recovery within 12 weeks. However unfortunately for some, symptoms can last a lot longer.

There does not seem to be a link between how ill you are when you first get Coronavirus, and how long your symptoms will last. People who only have mild symptoms at first, may still have long term problems.

The common symptoms of long COVID include:

- extreme tiredness
- shortness of breath
- chest pain or tightness
- problems with memory and concentration ("brain fog")
- difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
- heart palpitations or dizziness
- pins and needles
- joint pain
- depression and anxiety
- tinnitus
- earaches
- feeling sick, diarrhoea, stomach aches, loss of appetite
- a high temperature, cough, headaches, sore throat, changes to sense of smell or taste
- And finally skin rashes

If you still have symptoms 4 weeks or longer after having coronavirus and you are starting to get worried about them, you may wish to contact your GP. Getting help from a GP is still important if you need it.

When speaking to your doctor they will ask you questions about your symptoms and find out more about the impact they are having on your life. They may also suggest carrying out some tests to find out more and rule out possible other causes of your symptoms. These tests may include blood tests, checking your blood pressure and heart rate, and a chest x-ray.

Your GP can provide you with information about the care and support you may need. They may also provide you with advice about how to manage and monitor your symptoms at home. If your symptoms are having a big impact on your life, your doctor may refer you to a specialist rehabilitation service or a service that specialises in the symptoms you have. These services are there to help you manage your symptoms and help you recover.