Long COVID describes the prolonged symptoms following a COVID infection, and is something that many people are experiencing. The symptoms have a significant impact on a person’s physical recovery, psychological wellbeing, or ability to perform usual activities.
Plymouth resident, Charlie, has made a video describing her experience of having Long COVID, and how it is impacting on her life. In it she talks very openly about how her deterioration has affected not just her physical and mental health, but also how it affects her young daughters. She has set up a local support group in Plymouth for people like her, living with Long COVID, to give others the space and time to talk and share their experiences.
But if Plymouth is not on your doorstep, and you are experiencing prolonged symptoms that have followed having coronavirus, you can be referred to a Devon Long COVID service by your GP or hospital service. They will want to understand how long you’ve had the symptoms and when they started. You may be directed to another care service or be given advice about managing the conditions yourself.
You can also visit the NHS Your COVID Recovery website, which contains general information on all aspects of recovering from COVID-19, including physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing. It’s for people with Long COVID and their families or carers, and it signposts to agencies that can help.