Post Covid Syndrome Service

What is Post Covid Syndrome?

The length of time it takes to recover from COVID-19 varies from person to person. For some it will be days, for others it may be weeks, months and for some it can be years.

Ongoing symptomatic COVID-19: This is when you have signs and symptoms of COVID-19 lasting from four to 12 weeks

Post COVID-19 syndrome: This is when you have signs and symptoms that develop during or after an infection consistent with COVID‑19, continue for more than 12 weeks and are not explained by an alternative diagnosis. It usually presents with clusters of symptoms, often overlapping, which can fluctuate and change over time and can affect any system in the body. 

The term “long covid” is commonly used to describe signs and symptoms that continue or develop after acute COVID-19. It includes both ongoing symptomatic COVID-19 and post COVID-19 syndrome.

Around 1 in 5 covid patients suffer from long covid. Symptoms can vary patient to patient but common symptoms include: fatigue, brain fog, anxiety & depression, ongoing breathlessness, heart palpitations,  joint and muscle pain. Patients may need further support to aid recovery and rehabilitation.

Supporting your recovery after COVID-19

As you find yourself recovering from COVID-19 you may still be coming to terms with the impact the virus has had on both your body and mind.

These changes should get better over time, some may take longer than others, but there are things you can do to help.

Your COVID Recovery helps you to understand what has happened and what you might expect as part of your recovery

How can I access the post covid syndrome service?

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms as listed on the NHS guidance pages, and have had symptoms of COVID-19 for 4 weeks or more, you should contact your GP.

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and the impact they’re having on your life and give advice on how to manage and monitor your symptoms at home. They may suggest some tests to find out more about your symptoms and rule out other things that could be causing them.

These might include:

• blood tests
• checking your blood pressure and heart rate
• a chest X-ray.

If appropriate, you may then be referred to our specialist rehabilitation service.

Herefordshire & Worcestershire PCS service

Our service provides an assessment and rehabilitation service to support and manage symptoms of Post covid syndrome. The Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) includes:

• A GP
• Occupational Therapists
• Physiotherapists
• Psychologist

Our staff will carry out a more in-depth assessment of your symptoms and the impact these have on your life. This will be carried out either online, over the phone or – where appropriate and with appropriate safeguards – face to face. Further recommendations for more specialist advice or treatment will be provided and if appropriate, you may also require further specialist multidisciplinary support.

Our service provides a rehabilitation service that offers a range of professional skills and self-management resources to help you deal with the specific issues you are facing and manage your symptoms as you recover from COVID-19. Support may include a virtual group or 1:1 support.

The service can be contacted via email at whcnhs.pcs@nhs.net

COVID-19 is a new illness and while the service is aware of recent developments and latest investigations around the world, we are not able to offer these new investigations or treatments until they are advised by the National Institute for Health and Care Research and NHS England.