Post-Covid Recovery
The majority of people who experience a COVID-19 infection have a short illness, though full recovery can take longer. Symptoms can affect adults and children and may fluctuate in severity and nature over time. Most people who experience COVID-19 will need time to recover from the illness. It is important that people are kind to themselves and allow their body to recover at a natural pace.
Some people may have a more extended recovery and will report symptoms beyond 12 weeks. This is sometimes referred to as Long Covid Syndrome. However, our experience has been that there is no single pattern of symptoms, and so we at the Symptom Management Service focus on each individual's needs and preferences.
Individuals recovering from COVID-19 may experience breathlessness, fatigue or other symptoms that make it difficult to do the things that they used to do before becoming unwell. The slow pace and unpredictability of recovery can be very frustrating.
We have produced top tips to aid recovery- visit our Recovering from Illness page to find resources on symptom management.
Are you experiencing extended symptoms after a Covid-19 infection?
For some people, recovery from COVID-19 has been very challenging and they continue to feel the effects of the illness for months following infection. It can be difficult to understand why some people seem to recover quickly, while others are affected with a greater variety, impact and duration of symptoms.
As the needs of adults and children and young people differ, we have created information for each group on how they may help themselves to recover, as well as details on the services offered by the Health Board, and how to access help and support.
Choose a patient group below to access more information.
As many people experience extended Post-Covid symptoms, you may be a relative, friend or care-worker who is concerned and wants to support individuals to recover and get back to their usual life.
Below are some considerations for when you are with someone with Post-Covid symptoms:
- Reinforce that the symptoms that they are experiencing are real and try not to get frustrated if they don’t get better quickly- recovery from the virus takes time.
- Recognise that each person’s recovery is very different- don’t make a judgement that because another person got better quickly, then so should this individual.
- Try to help them focus on the small improvements that are made and give them hope for things improving in the future.
- Support them to follow some of the top tips for recovering from illness.
- Support them to consult with their GP if they have significant concerns.
- Encourage them to do a little activity a day, but don’t force them to do more and more.
- Read information on specific symptoms if you think you can help them to understand and manage the issues.