Over the past few weeks I have heard of several cases where people have continued to experience symptoms long after having possible coronavirus.

In the media we have been hearing mainly of confirmed cases exhibiting classical Covid-19 symptoms or those who have sadly died secondary to Covid-19 however we haven’t been hearing much about the significant proportion of people who have not returned back to their “normal” selves after contracting the virus.

Many of these people, anecdotally, have been reporting symptoms which sound very similar to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME, a collection of signs and symptoms you would find after a viral infection such as glandular fever.

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So, what kind of ongoing symptoms are being reported? As Covid-19 is a new virus, one we know very little about, we do not have any data yet to inform us of its aftermath on people however there are several online peer groups which have formed in recent weeks where thousands of people are reporting prolonged illness.

Symptoms such as feeling tired all the time, fatigue, brain fog, headaches, dizziness, low mood, depression and even achy muscles and joints seem to be the common ones. It is estimated that more than a quarter of a million people, who have fallen ill with Covid-19, are experiencing ongoing symptoms for up to three weeks and even beyond that. These people have been termed as “long-haulers.”

A few weeks after the pandemic hit Scotland, my friend felt unwell with symptoms classic of Covid-19. She self-isolated and recovered from the acute infection fairly quickly. However it was a fortnight later that she called me with short-lived episodes of shortness of breath, palpitations, tummy upset, exhausted with no energy and unable to find motivation to do anything.

She was previously fit and well so it was very unusual. She attended her GP but all tests and examinations were normal. This is a typical presentation of post viral syndrome. It would seem that these prolonged symptoms are hitting the younger and generally fit and well individuals and is definitely something we, as a health body, need to look more deeply into.

Conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome/ME already prove to be very challenging conditions to manage as there is no direct cure for it. Management tends largely to be supportive with lifestyle interventions such as optimising diet and physical activity but also symptom management. Unfortunately these conditions also are poorly understood and often attract stigma which is upsetting for sufferers. The conversations in some of the online peer support groups of long-haulers reflect this frustration.

So, what can you do? If you have any acute symptoms suggestive of coronavirus – i.e. fever, new cough or loss of smell, you self-isolate and follow the guidance set out by the government i.e. test and trace. If after three weeks post exposure you start or continue to feel unwell with any of the above symptoms, it will be worthwhile speaking to your GP.

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There are lots of conditions which can cause fatigue, headaches, dizziness, palpitations, shortness of breath, depression so it is essential to rule out anything else. If you feel you might be a long-hauler, there are lots of online peer groups, largely on social media, and whilst these can often offer support and comfort, they can also heighten anxiety. It is therefore important to remember to take what you read online with a pinch of salt, if concerned ask an expert like your friendly GP!