What is Long Covid and what are the symptoms?

For some, catching Covid-19 doesn’t result in a nasty two-weeks-and-you’re-done illness.

Some people across the country – and the world – struggle with debilitating symptoms months or even years on, as part of a little-understood chronic condition called Long Covid.

But what exactly do we know about Long Covid so far, and what are the symptoms?

What is Long Covid?

It is a nickname given to a post-viral condition called Post Covid-19 Syndrome.

This is essentially the term for a continuation of Covid-19 symptoms, or perhaps the addition of new symptoms, more than 12 weeks after your initial Covid-19 symptoms first began.

According to the NHS, most people who catch the virus will recover from their symptoms in four weeks.

If your symptoms last between four and 12 weeks, then it’s what’s known as Ongoing Symptomatic Covid – this can also sometimes be referred to as Long Covid.

For those unlucky enough to continue experiencing ill health weeks or months after the expected recovery time, it could be a possibility.

If you suffer with Covid-19 symptoms for more than four weeks the you should book to see your GP.

What are the symptoms?

There’s a long list of possible symptoms of Ongoing Symptomatic Covid, so brace yourself.

Extreme fatigue, feeling short of breath and having ‘brain fog’ are some of the most commonly reported symptoms.

Unfortunately, anosmia – aka the loss (or change) of your sense of smell – is another frequent symptom.

This is the full list of potential symptoms, according to the NHS:

Fatigue (or extreme tiredness)
Shortness of breath (or breathlessness)
Cognitive impairment (such as ‘brain fog’, memory issues, or the inability to concentrate)
Anosmia (loss of smell, or change to your sense of smell)Fever (high temperature)
Cough
Sore throat
Chest pain
Heart palpitations
Joint or muscle pain
Feeling numb, or like you have pins and needles
Disturbed sleep
Dizziness
Headaches
Earaches
Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing sounds in your ear)
Loss of appetite or weight loss
Abdominal pain
Diarrhoea
Nausea
Skin rashes
Depression
Anxiety

Though this list is lengthy, it’s probably not exhaustive.

So, if you’re experiencing any unusual symptoms after having a bout of Covid-19 (even those not listed), seek help from your GP.

Long Covid – what you need to know

Most infections with Covid resolve within the first four weeks.

The recovery time is different for everyone. The length of your recovery is not necessarily related to the severity of your initial illness, or whether you were in hospital.

According to the latest reports, it is most common in people aged 35-69 years, women, people living in more deprived areas, those working in health care, social care, or teaching and education, and those with another activity-limiting health condition or disability.