A YOUNG woman who is suffering from “long Covid” is issuing a stark reminder that the virus can cause long term health issues.

As the country begins to open up and we move towards more normality, Heather Campbell, 23, is warning others that coronavirus is still out there.

Heather was a fit and healthy staff nurse within the orthopaedic trauma at University Hospital Wishaw.

She had no underlying health issues but took unwell last November with Covid-19 symptoms.

Heather, from Motherwell, said: “I was fairly unwell at home for around three weeks and my symptoms took a long time to settle. I was treated with oral antibiotics and a steroid inhaler for a lower respiratory tract infection in December.

“The symptoms I have to live with daily include a loss of appetite, extreme fatigue, spiking temperatures and fevers, muscle and joint aches, tachycardia, heart palpitations, chest pain, headaches, eye aches, initial hallucinations, difficulty sleeping, abdominal pains, confusion and brain fog.

“Physical activity including walking at a slow pace aggravates symptoms and can leave me with joint and muscle pains and in bed for days afterwards.

“Some days I do not want to get out of bed and even taking a shower and washing my hair can cause heart palpitations.

“I attempted a phased return in April 2021 however despite being on reduced duties and hours, the demands of the job paired with my ongoing symptoms only enabled me to complete two days before having to go off sick again.”

Heather says she is a completely different person from who she was eight months ago.

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She added: "I never would have expected at 23 to be so unable to do things that before were so easy. I don't feel 23 anymore, I feel so much older.

“I find myself not attending many social events with friends since the easing of restrictions due to exhaustion and can feel quite isolated. I'm missing out on so much.

“I’d urge everyone to remain vigilant and stick to the rules as much as possible. I understand the desire to want to meet friends and family in big groups without masks or social distancing, however, I am an example that any young, fit and healthy individual could be affected so heavily by Covid.

“I would also urge everyone who is eligible to get their vaccinations to protect themselves and others.”

It is believed that around 1 in 10 people suffer from prolonged illness after Covid-19, and recovery can take many weeks – even months – until people start to feel themselves again.

You can watch Heather tell her story by clicking here.