For some people, a Coronavirus (COVID-19) infection can cause symptoms that last weeks or months after the infection has gone. This is sometimes called post-COVID-19 syndrome or ‘Long COVID’. Many people feel better in a few days or weeks and most will make a full recovery within 12 weeks. But for some people, symptoms can last longer.

Common Long COVID symptoms include:

• Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain or tightness
• Problems with memory and concentration (“brain fog”)
• Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
• Heart palpitations
• Dizziness
• Pins and needles
• Joint pain
• Depression and anxiety
• Tinnitus, earaches
• Feeling sick, diarrhoea, stomach aches, loss of appetite
• A high temperature, cough, headaches, sore throat, changes to smell or taste
• Rashes

The five Healthwatch’s across North Central London – Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey and Islington – are working together to gather insight into experiences of Long COVID to support the development of services that help people to manage their symptoms. There are concerns that people are struggling with this illness and not coming forward.

If you have been struggling with any of these symptoms for more than 4 weeks after having COVID-19, please complete this survey to share your experiences. We will share your anonymous feedback and the overall findings with healthcare providers and the local Clinical Commissioning Group to ensure your voice is heard. Responders can enter to win a £50 raffle as a thank you for their time.

If you would like any assistance in completing the survey or would like it in another format, please contact anna.walsh@healthwatchcamden.co.uk or call 020 7383 2402.