What Long Covid is and the symptoms
What is Long Covid?
Long Covid refers to people with:
- ongoing symptomatic Covid 19 - signs and symptoms of Covid 19 from 4 to 12 weeks
- post Covid 19 syndrome (Long Covid) - signs and symptoms that develop during or after an infection consistent with Covid 19, continue for more than 12 weeks and are not explained by an alternative diagnosis
The symptoms
- Extreme tiredness
- Depression and anxiety
- Breathlessness
- Fast heart-beat
- Widespread pain
- Chest pain or tightness
- Pins and needles
- Changes in tast and smell
- Changes in sleep/difficulty sleeping
- Difficulty concentrating and memory (brain fog)
Long Covid Survey for Residents - The results
We recently worked with Healthwatch Havering and the Havering North PCN to develop a survey for people who are living with Long Covid in Havering.
Residents were asked to share information about:
- the types of symptoms
- how Long Covid affects their daily activities
- how they access support
Many of those living with Long Covid reported experiencing both devastating mental stress (fatigue, tiredness, “brain fog”, and anxiety) and physical difficulty (breathing difficulties and breathlessness, smell and taste problems, lack of energy). This confirms known clinical indicators of Long Covid.