A woman who contracted the Covid-19 coronavirus more than a year ago has told how she is still unable to work due to continuing health problems.
However, she has found that certain foods and supplements and diets have been vital in relieving symptoms, thanks to talks hosted by the University of Plymouth in Devon, and the British Dietetic Association.
Amy Mullineux, 44, first noticed she was falling ill when she lost her sense of taste and smell after flying back to the UK from her homeland of Australia in January last year.
Two months later she began suffering migraines, dizziness and an upset stomach, followed by continued exhaustion.
She even had trouble walking to the end of the street as she fell into the grip of so-called Long Covid.
Now 16 months after first displaying symptoms, Ms Mullineux is still unable to work at her job packing boxes for web orders.
Amy, who lives in Putney, south west London, says that after a long health battle she can now walk to the end of her road, thanks to taking a variety of vitamins and having a nutritious diet.
And her journey has led her to promoting nutrition for people with Covid-19, with a particular interest in promoting free expert talks on how diet can help Long Covid sufferers.
Ms Mullineux said it was the worst illness she has ever suffered, but now wants to help people wade through disinformation about the pandemic.
She said: “I lost my sense of taste and smell after flying back from Australia in January 2020.
"In March I had some of the worst illness I’ve ever experienced, with migraines, dizziness, upset stomach, followed by ongoing exhaustion.
"While for many, that would be the end of Covid, I’m still living with it now.
“I worked in a factory and had to leave the job as I got swelling in my legs and felt physically drained, I’ve had ear issues, rashes and a couple of difficult relapses. People genuinely don’t realise how severe and long-lasting Covid-19 can be.
“The virus has damaged me, but by working with professionals and researching available materials, I’ve found that certain foods and supplements and diets have been vital in relieving symptoms – for example, vitamin D, vitamin B and probiotics.
“Rather than just relying on your own research and hearsay, it’s important that the wider public hears about the research into nutrition and receives clear advice from experts, so expert talks are vital in understanding and moving forward.”
The talks are supported by the British Dietetic Association, and hosted by the University of Plymouth.
The University 'Nutrition and COVID-19 Recovery' sessions are open to everyone and particularly aimed at people who have or are living with the effects of COVID-19 and their carers.
Ms Mullineux added: “For anyone suffering with long Covid, I’d say be kind to yourself, take it one day at a time, listen to your body and celebrate the little moments of breakthrough.
“I also genuinely believe that the virus feeds on fear so the more we can do to combat misinformation and get the right information out there from reliable sources, the better.”
Mary Hickson, a Professor in Dietetics at the University of Plymouth, said eating well is key to recovering from Covid.
She said: “Eating the right diet is crucial to keep well physically and mentally and a key part of recovery from Covid-19 is to make sure your diet is healthy.
“This series of talks aims to answer questions on what to eat and why. We also look at how to check and manage your diet and health, which is vitally important, and we hope to welcome as many people along as possible."
Prof. Hickson added: “Covid-19 has changed everyone’s lives, so the more we can do to educate and get this information out there, the better.”
