People in north east London are being urged to visit their GP if they suspect they may be suffering from Long Covid, so they can get the help and support they need.

Long Covid is defined as signs and symptoms that develop during or after an infection consistent with Covid-19, continue for more than 12 weeks and cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis.

Since June 2021, the number of people living with ongoing signs or symptoms more than 12 weeks after contracting Covid-19 has grown from 700,000 to 1.7 million; and 19 percent of those asked report significant limits on their activity, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Specialist NHS help is available for people with Long Covid in Barking and Dagenham, City of London, Hackney, Havering, Newham, Redbridge, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest. The first step is discussing your symptoms with your GP.

Dr Adam Ainley, Consultant Respiratory Physician at Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust (BHRUT) and Long Covid lead for north east London, said:

“If you have symptoms, you may find there is an impact on your day-to-day activities, including the ability to work, resulting in a reduced quality of life. Therefore, it’s important to get the support you need.

“My advice for anyone who suspects they may have Long Covid would be to go and see your GP so you can be checked out. They will do a range of tests to see if the symptoms can be explained by any other illnesses or conditions.

“If these can be ruled out, you may be referred onto one of our Long Covid services where you can get the right physical and mental health support.”

Symptoms can vary from person to person and may fluctuate over time. They include:

Extreme tiredness
Shortness of breath
Muscle ache
Difficulty concentrating/memory loss/confusion
Loss of smell or taste
Headache
Trouble sleeping
Worry/anxiety
Fast heart rate

Three patient information videos have been produced to help patients in north east London:

Long Covid symptoms – when should I get help: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fw6QwEtcSEY
The Long Covid clinic referral process and services offered: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqj52w38uV4
The difference Long Covid services made to my care: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQT54hh6h5Q

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