What is Long Covid?

In the latest addition to our blog series, we discuss the phenomenon of ‘long Covid’ which has been subject to increasing attention.

This spring many of us may have heard phrases suggesting Coronavirus is only as bad as the flu. Some of us may have even heard that only those who fell into the various ‘at-risk’ groups could be seriously affected.

Recent attention to what is described as ‘long Covid’ has underlined that the truth is not this simple.

While many people who catch Covid-19 recover within a few weeks, people of all ages and from all backgrounds have been known to experience long Covid.

So what is long Covid?

Long Covid refers to continued symptoms after the period in which someone has Covid-19. This has included symptoms such as ‘severe fatigue, breathlessness, muscle aches, joint pain, 'brain fog,' memory loss, a lack of concentration, as well as depression and mental health problems’. In some cases this has also included hair loss.

According to a study from King’s College London, a quarter of a million people have experienced symptoms for 30 days or more.

The Impact of long Covid

Long Covid can affect somebody’s wellbeing. Its affects can lead to people being less able to engage in physical activities and have less energy to engage in social activities. As we’ve noted already, it can also lead to mental health problems.

This highlights the importance of acting to take proper precautions and to consistently stick to the rules intended to keep us safe.

While some people are in less danger from the virus, it is clear that we all need to be aware of the serious risks in front of us.

Read the government guidance on long Covid here. 

Photo credit: Flickr/Marco 44.