Long COVID Service

Last updated: Wednesday 18 September 2024

General introduction

The Long COVID Service is a specialist with expertise in treating people with symptoms of Long COVID.

Most infections with COVID resolve within the first four weeks. 'Long COVID' is an informal term that is used to describe signs and symptoms that continue or develop after an acute infection of COVID.

Depending on how long you have ongoing symptoms for, it can be called one of two things:

Ongoing symptomatic COVID - this is where your symptoms continue for more than four weeks. If your symptoms last for longer than 12 weeks, it will then be called.

Post-COVID Syndrome - this is where your ongoing symptoms continue for longer than 12 weeks and cannot be explained by any other condition. Symptoms of Long COVID can be many and varied and can change over time. The most commonly reported symptoms include (but are not limited to):

  • breathlessness
  • cough
  • chest tightness
  • chest pain
  • palpitations
  • fatigue
  • fever
  • pain
  • cognitive impairment ('brain fog', loss of concentration or memory issues)
  • headache
  • sleep disturbance
  • pins and needles or numbness
  • dizziness
  • delirium (in older people)
  • abdominal pain
  • nausea
  • diarrhoea
  • anorexia and reduced appetite (in older people)
  • weight loss
  • joint pain
  • muscle pain
  • symptoms of depression
  • symptoms of anxiety
  • tinnitus
  • earache
  • sore throat
  • loss of taste and/or smell
  • skin rashes

Some people who have been infected with COVID have no or minimal symptoms. Many will have short-lasting symptoms (fever, cough, change in smell and muscle aches amongst others) from which they recover after a few days or up to four weeks. However, everybody recovers at different rates, and some people will experience longer-lasting symptoms.

For mild new symptoms call your GP, but if you’re worried or unsure remember you can always use the NHS 111 online service, or call 111.

How to access this service

If you are experiencing symptoms, contact your GP for an appointment. If Long COVID is suspected, your GP will conduct assessments and may refer you to our service or a rehabilitation service. 

Initial referrals to our Long COVID Service are made based on a person’s ongoing symptoms and impact on their life. Referrals are not based on the severity of the initial COVID illness or on a positive test result.

It is possible that your symptoms might not be caused by COVID. If your GP thinks that your symptoms are unrelated to COVID, and due to another condition, you may be offered other appropriate tests or referred to other specialist health professionals if necessary.

If you have mental health symptoms, such as anxiety or depression, you may be referred to local services providing specialist mental health assessment and support.

About the team

We are a small multi-disciplinary team including a clinical lead doctor, two nurses, a respiratory physiotherapist, an occupational therapist practitioner, an exercise physiologist plus colleagues providing administration support.

Useful information

Do you have questions about the Long COVID Service?

Complete our form to ask us any questions you may have. A member of our team will get back to you using the contact details you have provided.

What is Long COVID and how does it affect you?

Watch the video to find about more about long COVID.

https://youtu.be/ulJSEo2fWvA

How specialist NHS services are supporting patients with Long COVID

Watch the video below to find out more about Long COVID Support Services and how they can help.

https://youtu.be/mucOkzFCuaI  


Contact Us

Telephone

01925 662813

Email

whh.longcovidservice@nhs.net 

We provide this service at