People with post Covid need support from their families and friends, as well as from health and care professionals. They may need help with washing and dressing, shopping and preparing meals. They may need to rest more and have a slower pace of life. They may also have to take time off work or reduce their working hours.
Having to change routines and cope with fatigue can be distressing, especially for those caring for someone else. It can feel lonely and isolating, even if family and friends are supportive.
Fatigue is a normal part of the body’s response to fighting the virus. It can make it difficult to sleep, leave you unsteady on your feet, affect concentration and memory, and make you feel more emotional or irritable. If you’re concerned about how fatigue is affecting your loved one or yourself, talk to your GP.
Some people experience support for people with post Covid symptoms such as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), which can cause pain, aches and tiredness. It can also be associated with a lack of energy and a low mood, which can sometimes lead to thoughts of suicide. If you or your friend is having these thoughts, call The Samaritans on 116 123 or visit their website for further information and support.
Many people report having breathlessness after having Covid, and this can continue for a while. It’s important to try to be patient with these symptoms and to ask for help when you need it. If you’re feeling uncomfortable, try sitting or lying down with your head propped up on pillows to relieve chest pain. Breathing exercises, such as slow deep breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth, can also help to ease breathlessness.
If you’re struggling to find a comfortable position, your doctor or nurse can advise on positions that can be helpful. You can also find online advice such as the NHS ‘Your Covid Recovery’ guide.
It can be hard to get back into everyday activities after recovering from long COVID. You might need to take some time off work, and if you’re still at work it can be helpful to discuss how your health is affecting your performance with your boss. You could ask for adjustments at work to help you work better, or for a referral to occupational health to help you manage your symptoms.
Having a diagnosis of long COVID can have a significant financial impact, especially on families. People are fundraising on behalf of their loved ones to cover the costs that insurance doesn’t cover. This can be very distressing for people with post Covid, as it means they have to spend money that they might otherwise have had. Talk to your doctor if you’re having financial concerns and check out the support groups available to you. For example, Body Politic has a Facebook group for people affected by long COVID, Survivor Corps and Black COVID-19 Survivors Alliance are grassroots self-help and patient advocacy groups.