Long COVID: where are we and how far have we come

Long COVID is a relatively new condition which we’re learning more about all the time  

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on NHS England

It’s now been more than two years since general practice was faced with patients with a new, enigmatic illness. We saw people experiencing ongoing, unexplained and, in some cases, debilitating symptoms following COVID-19. 

Whilst many people recover from COVID within weeks, for some, it is a more lengthy and complex experience. Long COVID has wide-ranging symptoms but is, perhaps, commonly characterised by severe fatigue and breathlessness. It can affect people of all ages and backgrounds.

Many patients feel frustrated with the lack of knowledge about the illness, while also being unable to shake its symptoms. In October 2020 an NHS Long COVID taskforce was established to guide our national approach.

In under two years, the NHS has invested £224m to support people with Long COVID, including setting up 90 specialist clinics, 14 children and young people’s hubs, and the development of the online ‘Your COVID Recovery’ platform. This has meant designing and implementing new pathways of care and bringing together new, multidisciplinary, teams, all whilst simultaneously battling an ongoing pandemic. 

More to do

Over the past 12 months, over 45,000 people have been seen by a specialist post-COVID service but there is still more to be done.

The NHS plan for improving Long COVID services was recently published to reflect progress and acknowledge that there is more we must do to meet the needs of all those with the condition. 

For patients, the NHS is working to reduce waiting times for specialist services and ensure that people have a point of contact so they can speak to someone about their care. The NHS is also supporting services to introduce clinical triage to ensure that the most unwell patients are prioritised, and care pathways can be determined within six weeks of referral.

The system is also determined to ensure patients are provided with information regarding their self-management plan and who to contact in the event of a relapse or the development of a new symptom.

For our colleagues working in healthcare it can be challenging when faced with a new condition – particularly one where the evidence base continues to evolve. The NHS commitment will also develop educational resources to support teams in recognising and managing people with Long COVID.

Many of our colleagues working within the NHS will also be affected by Long COVID themselves. The NHS, therefore, aims to be a model employer to support staff living with the condition. It is committed to publishing revised guidelines to help line managers and leaders understand what Long COVID is, and how they can support colleagues who are experiencing its symptoms.

The official message to anyone who is experiencing ongoing symptoms following COVID is clear – you’re not alone; the NHS is there to help you. 

Visit the Your COVID Recovery website for further advice.