What is long Covid?

People who have COVID-19 usually get better within a few days of weeks. However, for some people symptoms can last longer. If symptoms continue, they may have ‘long COVID’.

It is suggested that approximately 1.6 million people in the UK suffer with long COVID.

What are the symptoms?

• Breathlessness (Shortness of breath, a feeling of tightness in the chest and difficulty breathing)
• Tiredness (extreme tiredness and lack of energy, known as fatigue)
• Brain fog (forgetfulness, feeling confused or poor concentration)
• Changes in mood (feeling low or anxious as a result of COVID-19 symptoms)

Some people may have other COVID symptoms, such as body aches, changes in smell or taste, a fast heartbeat, feeling dizzy, earache or tinnitus (ringing in the ears), feeling sick, appetite changes, finding it hard to sleep, a cough or sore throat, or headaches.

What support is available?

Find out more about the services across Stoke-on-Trent which have been created to support people with long-Covid below.