How long does chronic disease review take to work for Long COVID?

Long COVID can involve changing combinations of fatigue, post-exertional worsening, breathlessness, pain, sleep difficulty, dizziness, concentration problems and altered mood. The review looks at which symptoms limit you, what happens after activity, sleep and work demands, and whether tests or referrals are needed to rule out other causes. It may lead to pacing, symptom-focused support or rehabilitation advice. The assessment does not promise a fixed recovery timetable, and pushing through a flare can make day-to-day function harder.

Keep a simple diary of activity, rest, symptoms and delayed worsening. Increase activity gradually only within the limits agreed with your clinician, and plan rest before essential tasks. Mention palpitations, dizziness on standing, breathlessness, sleep changes and cognitive difficulties at follow-up. Ask for written advice if symptoms affect work, study, driving or personal care. Avoid starting an intense exercise programme without guidance when exertion causes a delayed crash.

Get urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, new chest pain, fainting, sudden weakness, new confusion, or a sudden severe neurological symptom. Prompt assessment is also needed for rapidly worsening symptoms, inability to keep fluids down or signs of a serious infection. These problems need attention independently of a planned Long COVID review.

Ask which symptom to prioritise, how to pace activity, what change should trigger contact, whether tests or referrals are needed, and when progress will be reviewed.