Covid-19: What do we know about “long covid”?
BMJ 2020; 370 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.m2815 (Published 14 July 2020) Cite this as: BMJ 2020;370:m2815Linked Opinion
A roller coaster of ill health, extreme emotions, and utter exhaustion
Linked Opinion
Prolonged and relapsing course of illness has implications for returning workers
Linked Opinion
Patients’ experiences of “longcovid” are missing from the NHS narrative
- Elisabeth Mahase, clinical reporter
- The BMJ
- emahase{at}bmj.com
What is it?
“Long covid” is a term being used to describe illness in people who have either recovered from covid-19 but are still report lasting effects of the infection or have had the usual symptoms for far longer than would be expected. Many people, including doctors who have been infected, have shared their anecdotal experiences on social media, in the traditional media, and through patients’ groups.
Paul Garner, professor of infectious diseases at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, detailed his seven week experience with the virus for BMJ Opinion, describing it as “frightening and long.”1 As with many of the accounts being shared, Garner was not admitted to hospital, but he reported a long list of symptoms lasting weeks and leaving him feeling unable to function.
The Royal College of General Practitioners says it expects GPs to see an influx of patients with “long covid” and has called for a rapid review of the requirements …