Long COVID
Long COVID
We run a long Covid service to support and manage patients living in Bolton suffering with the long term effects of COVID-19.
Long COVID is recognised as the signs and symptoms that develop during or after an infection consistent with COVID-19, and continue for more than 4 weeks after the acute illness stage, and are not explained by an alternative diagnosis.
Referrals into the service are made via your GP, who will first rule out other illnesses to make sure that you are getting the right care.
The length of time needed to recover from Covid-19 will vary from person to person and it is important not to compare yourself to others.
Some of the most common COVID-19 effects include:
- Breathlessness
- Muscle weakness and joint stiffness
- Extreme tiredness (fatigue) and a lack of energy
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Sleep problems
- Problems with mental abilities – for example, not being able to remember some events, think clearly and being forgetful
- Changes in your mood, or anxiety or depression
- Nightmares or flashbacks
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
The NHS has developed a website aimed at helping people recover from Covid-19.
Whatever problems you are experiencing are important if they are causing you concern or limiting you. Every individual experience is unique.
Please visit www.yourcovidrecovery.nhs.uk to read more, or click one of the links above if you are experiencing particular side effects.
For some people, coronavirus (COVID-19) can cause symptoms that last weeks or months after the infection has gone. This is sometimes called post-COVID syndrome or long COVID. Some of the most reported symptoms include fatigue, breathlessness, and brain fog/inability to concentrate, but the exact cause of long COVID remains unknown.
Research is vital for the future of health and care services for people living with the after effects of coronavirus infection, as it looks to better understand the virus, improve diagnosis and find new treatments.
Taking part in research means that people will be helping improve their own health and that of future generations, as well as helping researchers:
- Increase knowledge about long COVID and how to diagnose it
- Identify effective care and treatments such as drugs or rehabilitation programmes
- Develop new services to support people living with long COVID
- Understand why some groups of people are at greater risk of coronavirus infection or developing symptoms of long COVID.
There are lots of different types of research and ways that people can take part, including:
- Completing a survey or questionnaire
- Being part of a discussion group
- Testing a smartphone app or online system
- Trialling a support programme helping people to better manage symptoms
Being part of a clinical trial testing new and existing medications.
Register now at www.researchforthefuture.org or call 0161 206 3636
