For some, Covid-19 can continue to cause symptoms – known as long Covid – for months after the infection has passed.
There are many symptoms which can affect every patient in a different way but among others are fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain or tightness, problems with memory and concentration, difficulty sleeping, heart palpitations, dizziness, pins and needles, joint pain, depression and anxiety, tinnitus, earaches, feeling sick, diarrhoea, stomach ache, loss of appetite, a high temperature, cough, headaches, sore throat, changes to sense of smell or taste and rashes.
There has also been growing evidence that some people with Covid may go on to develop blood clots – particularly those who have received intensive care treatment.
For some, the symptoms will ease in a few days or weeks and most will make a full recovery within 12 weeks. But, for others, symptoms can last longer.
And the chances of having long-term symptoms do not appear to be linked to how ill you are when you first get coronavirus.
People who had mild symptoms at first can still have long-term problems.
The NHS recommends you contact your GP if symptoms persist four weeks or more after having the infection.
GPs may instigate a series of tests including blood tests, blood pressure and heart rate checks and chest X-rays.
If the symptoms are having a big impact on their life, patients may be referred to a specialist rehabilitation service or a service which specialises in their specific symptoms.
