Service Information
COVID-19 and Long COVID
COVID-19 and Long COVID
The severity of your illness after catching COVID-19 does not indicate whether you will go on to develop Long COVID. In other words, you may have a mild dose of COVID-19 and then develop Long COVID. Or, you may have been severely ill with COVID-19 and then suffer no longer term after-effects.
Long COVID, also called Post COVID-19 Syndrome, describes the signs and symptoms that develop during or following an infection consistent with COVID-19, which continue for more than 12 weeks and are not explained by an alternative diagnosis.
The condition usually presents with clusters of symptoms, often overlapping, which may change over time and can affect any system within your body.
People with Long COVID may have many different symptoms. These include:
- feeling very tired (fatigue)
- breathlessness
- low mood
- anxiety
- aches and pains
- loss of/poor appetite
- brain fog (making it difficult to think clearly or remember things)
Suffolk and north east Essex long COVID service
Your GP can refer you if you have had symptoms for over 12 weeks, that are thought to be COVID-related. You do not have to have had a positive COVID test.
When your GP makes the referral there will be some screening questions for you to answer. You will also need to have an oxygen saturation reading, a chest x-ray and a blood test.
Most assessments take place over the phone but face to face appointments are also possible.
We currently have clinics in West Suffolk, Ipswich, and Colchester.
The service includes professionals such as physiotherapists, breathing therapists and mental health specialists. You will be seen by the team that is best suited to treating you.
Children and young people up to 17 years old
Children and young people will be supported by their GP, along with existing services and the local children and young persons’ team. These local teams will be supported by a specialist team at Addenbrooke’s Hospital.
Referrals for children and young people follow the same route as adults, through to the Suffolk and North East Essex Long COVID Service.
The Long COVID Kids website has useful information for professionals, patients and families, as well as information about a Long COVID support group.
Long COVID Kids website (Opens in a new window)