Long Covid management and support
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Managing Long COVID
Long COVID is a fairly new condition and clinicians are learning more about it all the time. However, they have already developed successful ways of managing it and helping people to live with and overcome many of the symptoms associated with the condition.
Symptoms of Long COVID can include fatigue, brain fog, breathlessness, loss of taste, muscle and joint pain and palpitations among others.
A patient is considered as possibly having Long COVID if these symptoms last for more than 12 weeks after a positive COVID-19 test or after a suspected infection with the virus.
You do not need to have had a positive COVID-19 test to be referred into the Suffolk and North East Essex Long Covid Assessment Service where you will receive support to improve your symptoms and your quality of life.
What should I do if I think I have Long COVID?
If you think you have Long COVID, call your GP surgery. Tell the receptionist you think you may have Long COVID. Explain your symptoms fully and say how long you have had them.
The receptionist will make an appointment for you with a clinician at the surgery, which may be by telephone, video or face-to-face.
The clinician may look at your general health and ask you to have some tests before referring you to the Long COVID Assessment Service.
These tests are to see if other conditions might be making you feel the way you are.
Continue reading to find out what happens next.
What happens next?
If another health condition is detected, you may be treated for that first. Your clinician will decide whether it is also necessary to refer you to the Long COVID Assessment Service.
If no other health condition is detected, with your agreement you will be referred into the Long COVID Assessment Service.
What happens when I am referred into the Long COVID Assessment Service?
You can expect to have your first appointment with a clinician in the Long COVID Assessment Service within six to ten weeks.
Initial appointments are usually via video call. After that, appointments can be over the phone, via video call or in person depending on your needs and preference.
At your appointments we will identify whether any specialist tests are required and agree a treatment plan to meet your needs.
The aim of the Long COVID Assessment Service is to give you the knowledge and skills to effectively support your recovery and allow you to work effectively, manage any other responsibilities and enjoy your social life and your hobbies again.
Websites to help with the management of common symptoms
General advice
Self-management for long COVID rehabilitation
Breathlessness and Fatigue
Managing the effects of a raised heart rate
Physiotherapy for Breathing Pattern Disorders
Post-viral fatigue and energy conservation
Sensory changes
Living with a loss of taste or smell