For some people who have had coronavirus (COVID-19), their symptoms can last for a long time after the initial infection has gone. Extreme tiredness, shortness of breath, problems with memory and concentration (‘brain fog’), insomnia or joint pain could mean you have ‘Long COVID’.
We know that COVID-19 effects people in different ways and how long it takes to recover from COVID-19 is different for everybody.
Many people feel better in a few days or weeks and most will make a full recovery within 12 weeks. But for some people, symptoms can last longer. People who had mild symptoms at first can still have long-term problems.
The NHS website Your Covid Recovery is here to help people recover and manage symptoms that are still there weeks or months later. The website includes information from experts about how to look after your health and wellbeing and detailed advice on how to cope with a wide range of symptoms and manage your recovery from COVID-19. It also includes information on returning to work, and a helpful section for family, friends and carers who are supporting someone recovering from COVID.
If, at any time in your recovery from COVID, you are worried about continuing symptoms (or if you develop new or worsening symptoms) you should contact your GP to get some additional help. They can organise some tests to find out more about your symptoms and rule out other things that could be causing them. They may refer you to local services that can assess you and offer you extra support.