Coronavirus: ‘Long Covid could be four different syndromes’

“Long Covid” – the long-lasting impact of coronavirus infection – may be affecting people in four different ways, according to a review.

And this could explain why some of those with continuing symptoms are not being believed or treated.

There could be a huge psychological impact on people living with long-term Covid-19, the National Institute for Health Research report says.

They need more support – and healthcare staff require better information.

Life-changing experiences

Most people are told they will recover from mild coronavirus infections within two weeks and from more serious disease within three.

But the report says thousands could be living with “ongoing Covid”.

And with coronavirus cases rising across the UK, this number is also likely to increase in the coming months. ‘It was so serious that I don’t know about it’: Michael Rosen was put in a coma to fight Covid-19 Based on interviews with 14 members of a long-Covid support group on Facebook and the most recent published research, the review found recurring symptoms affecting everything from breathing, the brain, the heart and cardiovascular system to the kidneys, the gut, the liver and the skin.

These symptoms may be due to four different syndromes:

• permanent organ damage to the lungs and heart
• post-intensive-care syndrome
• post-viral fatigue syndrome
• continuing Covid-19 symptoms

Some of those affected have had a long stay in hospital with severe Covid-19 – but others, who have had a mild infection, have never even been tested or diagnosed.

The review says coming up with a “working diagnosis for ongoing Covid-19” would help people access support.