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What is Long Covid?

What is Long Covid, also known as Post Covid-19 Condition?

“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.”

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World Health Organisation (WHO)  October 2021

Children and Long Covid

Children and young people are among the 3-12% of people in the United Kingdom who are affected by Long Covid. (The Office of National Statistics 2021)

 

The following is a working definition for Long Covid in that demographic.

 

“Long Covid is a condition in which a child or young person has symptoms (at least one of which is a physical symptom) that:

  • Have continued or developed after a diagnosis of Covid-19 (confirmed with one or more positive Covid tests)

  • Impact their physical, mental, or social wellbeing

  • Are interfering with some aspect of daily living (eg school, work, home or relationships) and

  • Persist for a minimum duration of 12 weeks after initial testing for Covid-19 (even if symptoms have waxed and waned over that period)”

National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHCR) February 2022

More information on all of the above can be found by visiting our Helpful Sites & Links page.

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