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Long COVID

COVID‑19 or post‑COVID‑19 syndrome

Use the following clinical case definitions to identify and diagnose the long-term effects of COVID-19:

Acute COVID-19

Signs and symptoms of COVID‑19 for up to 4 weeks.

Ongoing symptomatic COVID-19

Signs and symptoms of COVID‑19 from 4 weeks up to 12 weeks.

Post-COVID-19 syndrome 

Signs and symptoms that develop during or after an infection consistent with COVID‑19, continue for more than 12 weeks and are not explained by an alternative diagnosis. It usually presents with clusters of symptoms, often overlapping, which can fluctuate and change over time and can affect any system in the body. Post‑COVID‑19 syndrome may be considered before 12 weeks while the possibility of an alternative underlying disease is also being assessed.

In addition to the clinical case definitions, the term ‘long COVID’ is commonly used to describe signs and symptoms that continue or develop after acute COVID‑19. It includes both ongoing symptomatic COVID‑19 (from 4 to 12 weeks) and post‑COVID‑19 syndrome (12 weeks or more).

 The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence 2021.

COVID-19 Recovery

Recovery from Coronavirus can vary greatly from person to person. For some people recovery is short. For others, symptoms can last for weeks or even months.

It is common to feel tired and fatigued, and other symptoms can include breathlessness, cough, muscle weakness and problems with memory or concentration. This can make usual day-to-day activities more difficult. Symptoms can also “come and go” so you may feel better one day, and worse the next. Therefore it is important not to rush back to “normal” life.

Everyone is affected differently, which means you may need different care and support from others who have had it. It is important not to compare yourself to other people.

Find information about your specific symptoms here:

Your COVID Recovery Programme

Your COVID Recovery is an online recovery programme to help support people after COVID-19. It is has been developed by NHS England. You can search for your symptoms and find information and advice. The information can also be downloaded and printed.

You can go straight to the website here.

Local Health Board services

Each Health Board across Wales has set up services to help individuals affected by long COVID.  This Welsh Government advice page provides details of links to each Health Board in one place.

In order to find out which Health Board you live in, this page provides a list of which local authority areas fall within each Health Board.

NHS long COVID Recovery App

Long COVID recovery App

The NHS Wales Respiratory Health Group has developed this long COVID Recovery App on behalf of Welsh Government as part of the wider support available for people experiencing the longer-term effects of COVID-19. Users are able to record their symptoms, track their progress and learn to manage their condition at home with the support provided. It includes advice from therapists, psychologists, dietitians and consultants. It offers a bespoke tool and personal coach to help individuals on the road to recovery, providing a clear rehabilitation pathway.

Download the COVID recovery app

The COVID Recovery app is accessible to everyone for free from: 

Always call 999 if you experience any life threatening symptoms or contact the 111 online coronavirus service or your GP if you feel your symptoms aren’t improving or you need further advice.

 

Additional Information & Resources
The Society of Occupational Medicine (SOM)

SOM has developed a Leaflet providing guidance for workers from Occupational Health Professionals on how to manage getting back to work after COVID-19 infection and long COVID.

To view leaflet click here.

CIPD Webinar - Understanding the impact of long COVID

Watch this Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development webinar and learn more about the impact of long COVID, how you can best support employees grappling with the condition and managing a return to work after a long absence

View the webinar here.

UCL Human Resources

Help for managers to support individuals returning to work after ill health due to COVID-19. Individuals may experience residual symptoms for some time after the initial infection has passed as they return to work.

For more information click here.