Long COVID
World Health Organisation definition of Long COVID:
Post COVID-19 condition occurs in individuals with a history of probable or confirmed SARS CoV-2 infection, usually 3 months from the onset of COVID-19 with symptoms and that last for at least 2 months and cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis. Common symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, cognitive dysfunction but also others and generally have an impact on everyday functioning. Symptoms may be new onset following initial recovery from an acute COVID-19 episode or persist from the initial illness. Symptoms may also fluctuate or relapse over time.
The understanding is that these symptoms are caused by a persistence of the virus in some parts of the body that are sheltered from the immune system, such as the brain; direct damage to organs, such as the heart and lungs, and also the pancreas, causing some new cases of diabetes; and blood clotting, which can cause heart attacks and strokes. However, there is a huge variety in both the pattern of symptoms and their severity.
Symptoms
Some of the most common symptoms include, but are not limited to; headaches, muscle and body aches, fatigue, difficulty breathing, difficulty concentrating, heart palpitations and persistent pain or pressure in the chest, amongst many others.
If you have experienced any of these symptoms, persisting after you have contracted COVID-19, please find below a list of patient organisations you can get in contact with.
Organisations:
LongCOVID ACTS (Spain)
The Spanish collective of Long COVID sufferers.
Twitter page | Facebook page
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Leben mit Corona (Switzerland)
Offers long-term sick people and their relatives support, information and help.
Website | Send an email
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#ApresJ20 (France)
Information on Long COVID, specialised HCP , research and treatments.
Website | Send an email
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Long COVID Kids (United Kingdom)
Advocacy group for kids with Long COVID.
Website | Twitter page | Facebook page
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Post-COVID HUB (United Kingdom)
For people left with breathing difficulties after COVID-19, their family members, carers, healthcare professionals, policy-makers and researchers.
Website
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Patient led research for COVID-19 (United Kingdom)
A self-organized group of Long COVIDpatients working on patient-led research around the Long COVIDexperience.
Website | Send an email
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Long COVID SOS (United Kingdom)
A campaign of COVID-19 long-term sufferers to put pressure on the government to recognise the needs of those with Long COVID and raise awareness.
Website
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COVID-19 support group (International)
The group consists of people from all over the world who have tested positive, are experiencing symptoms, or are recovering from COVID-19, including specific channels for Long COVID.
Website
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Long Covid Europe
A European network of Long COVID patient associations run by Long COVID patients, to offer unique expertise as a patient network and gather information concerning Long COVID to curate and share with stakeholders.
Website
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Additional Resources:
"EURORDIS cannot respond to questions concerning the medical aspects of a disease. EURORDIS does not employ qualified medical personnel or information specialists to give medical advice, diagnose illness, or offer referrals. We strongly recommend that you seek the advice of your health care provider with questions regarding medical care"