What to expect from a GP consultation for Long COVID

The GP may ask when your illness began, whether you had a confirmed infection, and how symptoms affect work, sleep, movement, concentration, and everyday tasks. Long COVID can involve fatigue, breathlessness, brain fog, palpitations, altered smell or taste, pain, and post-exertional worsening. The doctor will consider other causes rather than assuming every symptom is from one condition.

They may check your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, oxygen level, and general health. Tests depend on your symptoms and examination. The aim is to identify problems needing treatment and to decide whether specialist assessment would help.

Before the appointment, note your main symptoms, triggers, daily limits, sleep pattern, medicines, and any delayed worsening after activity. Bring a list of previous tests and treatments. During the visit, agree on one or two practical goals, such as balancing activity with rest, managing sleep, or addressing dizziness. Follow-up can review changes gradually; referral may be considered for persistent breathlessness, chest symptoms, autonomic symptoms, or another focused concern.

Seek urgent medical help for severe difficulty breathing, new severe chest pain, fainting, sudden weakness on one side, new confusion, or blue or grey lips. Contact a clinician promptly if symptoms are rapidly worsening, you cannot keep fluids down, or palpitations occur with faintness.

Which symptoms need testing first? How can I pace activity without causing delayed worsening? What follow-up timing is suitable, and which changes should trigger earlier contact?