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Millie Osmond is talking to pharmacy technician Vicky as she collects her prescription.

“Everything’s as normal with this one,” says Vicky, handing over the bag. “But how are you doing? You look well, but you were very poorly a couple of months ago?”

“Yes, that coronavirus is no joke,” replies Millie. “I’m so much better than I was – I think I was really quite unwell even when I came out of hospital – but I’m not back to where I was before it happened. Then again, my husband reckons it’s all in my head... and I don’t think he means my constant headaches.”

“Oh, I don’t know though, Millie,” says Vicky. “Have you heard of long-Covid?”

“No, what’s that?” she replies.

Answer

“Long-Covid” is the term increasingly used to describe the lasting effects experienced by people who have recovered from the acute stage of Covid-19 infection. What started as anecdotal reports on social media, has spread into patient groups and, more recently, traditional media sources such as newspapers and news websites.

The Royal College of GPs has stated that some 10 per cent of Covid-19 patients suffer from symptoms such as fatigue, muscle aches and headaches for a prolonged period of time. There are also reports of individuals experiencing more severe complications such as respiratory difficulties and cognitive impairment, which may require ongoing treatment and support. There are, of course, also many people who are feeling the impact of the social and economic effects of the pandemic, such as isolation and loss of income, and this in turn has led to a surge in mental health problems.

In Millie’s case, she needs reassurance that the way she is feeling is not just in her head, but rather an accepted consequence of her having had Covid-19. She should seek help and support, both in medical terms by making a GP appointment, as well as connecting with others going through a similar experience and/or participating in research on the topic. There are several long-Covid groups on social media, some of which have tens of thousands of members, for support purposes.

The bigger picture

There are several studies being conducted to investigate and increase understanding of long-Covid, with many inviting patients to participate directly:

• The Covid-19 Patient Experience Study is sponsored by University College London and is looking at wider and more detailed symptoms, including neurological, cardiovascular, systemic and beyond, as well as the impact on mental health and antibody testing results
• The Post-Hospitalisation Covid-19 study (PHOSP-COVID) is being led by the University of Leicester and is undertaking clinical assessments for a year with 10,000 patients who were hospitalised with Covid-19. The aim is to increase understanding of the long-term effects of the infection so the medical, psychological and rehabilitation needs of these patients can be met in order that they make as full a recovery as possible
• The Covid-19 Discover Study, spearheaded by north Bristol NHS Trust’s Research and Innovation arm and funded by Southmead Hospital Charity, is collecting blood samples and medical information from patients with suspected Covid-19 infection. It also follows up individuals to better understand the challenges faced in recovery from the illness.