COVID-19 can affect each person differently with a wide range of symptoms. Recovery can take time and this will vary from person to person. Evidence highlights that ongoing symptoms could last for several weeks to many months after you contract COVID-19. 

What if your symptoms have persisted longer than 12 weeks?  

The Long COVID Service may be suitable for you if you have persistent symptoms for 12 weeks or more following a COVID illness.

 What are the symptoms of Long COVID? 

Long COVID usually presents with clusters of symptoms, often overlapping which can vary or change over time and can affect any system within the body. Some of these symptoms may include: 

  • Breathlessness
  • Chest heaviness or palpitations 
  • Ongoing cough 
  • Problems with voice or swallowing 
  • Fatigue or lack of energy
  • Memory, concentration problems and “brain fog”
  • Muscle pains, ongoing muscle weakness and deconditioning
  • Sleep disturbances 
  • Mood changes and psychological problems
  • Persistent loss of smell / taste 
  • Dizziness / Headaches 

The above list is not exhaustive and research is ongoing to discover more about the longer-term effects of COVID-19 as well as potential treatment options. See the ‘self-management strategies’ section below for some initial guidance prior to assessment.

How can you access the Long COVID Service?

If you feel that you meet the criteria it is important that you talk to your GP or healthcare practitioner. Your GP may carry out further assessment prior to completing a referral to the clinic. They may also want to rule out any other potential causes for your symptoms.

 What if you have never had a positive COVID Test?

A previous positive test is not necessary to access the service as it is well recognised that people may have contracted COVID during the first phase of the pandemic when testing was not freely available, and some may have had a negative test despite symptoms pointing towards a diagnosis of COVID-19. Identification of Long COVID can be made looking back at your symptoms and history by discussing it with your GP.

What is the Long COVID Service? 

The Long COVID Service is a multidisciplinary team of professionals who will assess your ongoing symptoms and needs. The service will strive to ensure you have access to the right healthcare professionals at the right point in your recovery. The structure of Long COVID services vary around the country. The North Cumbria Long COVID service is run using a series of assessments and inputs by different professionals within the team, often over the telephone with attendances at clinic as and when required. This allows us to tailor the service to the wide-ranging needs of patients with Long COVID and ensure we minimise patient fatigue. 

What can you expect?

After a referral you will initially be contacted by the most appropriate healthcare professional within the Long COVID team based on information provided by your GP. This may include direct access to the Consultant led respiratory clinic for a physical assessment and further diagnostic testing, or to a Specialist Physiotherapist or Living well coach who will conduct a holistic assessment. During the assessment process it may become clear that other healthcare professionals may be needed to become involved in your care to help support your recovery. As part of this service, we are able to offer direct referrals to other specialities within the multidisciplinary team as needed.

 Self-management strategies prior to assessment by the Long COVID Service?

  • Breathlessness: Managing your breathlessness post-COVID is really important. We would encourage you to focus on nose breathing and restore a softer, more passive breathing pattern. Breathing exercises are a good way of managing and improving your breathlessness, see here: https://www.physiotherapyforbpd.org.uk/self-help/
  • Fatigue: Post-COVID fatigue is tricky to manage and we often see flare ups in symptoms as you recover. It is vital that you take plenty of rests and avoid ‘pushing through’ the fatigue, this will often make you feel worse. More information can be found here: https://www.rcot.co.uk/how-manage-post-viral-fatigue-after-covid-19-0
  • Voice, Throat Irritation, Swallowing: These often occur due to swelling and irritation from coughing and/or Covid-19 causing heightened sensitivity in the throat.  Ensuring you take drink lots of fluids (avoiding lots of caffeine and alcohol) and using steam inhalations to reduce irritation may help. Further information may be found here: https://www.ncic.nhs.uk/download_file/4070/182
  • Brain fog: We now know that it is very common for people to notice temporary changes in their concentration and memory whilst they recover from Covid. The neuropsychology website has some useful ideas on strategies you can use to help you manage these symptoms whilst they persist. https://php.cumbria.nhs.uk/patients/resources/neuropsychology
  • The NHS has produced an excellent educational website, Your COVID Recovery. See here: www.yourcovidrecovery.nhs.uk/If you are unable to access the internet your healthcare professional can print off the relevant sections for you. 

If you are unable to access the internet your healthcare professional can print off the relevant sections for you. 

Is there any other wellbeing support available?

We understand that the effect of ongoing COVID Symptoms can be frustrating and this can have an impact on your overall wellbeing and mental health.   

If you would like more information on supporting your wellbeing and mental health there are some great resources on North Cumbria’s Physical Health Psychology page: https://php.cumbria.nhs.uk/

You can self-refer for talking therapy to your local First Step team online: www.cntw.nhs.uk/services/first-step/ or by phone on:  0300 123 9122

 What should you do if you feel things are getting worse?

It is important that if your symptoms worsen you speak to your GP about this. Some general advice regarding Long COVID is available on the NHS website: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/long-term-effects-of-coronavirus-long-covid/  

If you are acutely short of breath, develop chest pain, palpitations or have developed new muscle weakness you must contact your local services. 

 Call your GP or NHS 111 or visit online https://111.nhs.uk/ symptoms are not life threatening or  999 for an emergency. 

 If you feel that your mood is deteriorating significantly, please contact your GP for an earlier assessment. The Cumbria Health on Call team (CHOC) are also available out of hours on 111. The Samaritans are available 24 hours a day on 116 123.

 For general enquiries about the Long COVID Service please telephone 01228 603816

Confidentiality

‘The Trust’s vision is to keep your information safe in our hands.’ We promise to use your information fairly and legally, and in-line with local and national policies. You have a right to understand how your information is used and you can request a copy of the information we hold about you at any time.

For further information on confidentiality contact the Information Governance Team:

Information.Governance@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 603961

Feedback

We appreciate and encourage feedback, which helps us to improve our services. If you have any comments, compliments or concerns to make about your care, please contact the Patient, Advice & Liaison Service:

pals@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 814008 or 01946 523818

If you would like to raise a complaint regarding your care, please contact the Complaints Department:

complaints@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 936302