When is GP consultation recommended for Long COVID?

Long COVID, also called post-COVID-19 syndrome, describes symptoms that continue or develop after the initial infection and are not explained by another diagnosis. People may notice tiredness, breathlessness, palpitations, sleep difficulty, changes in smell or taste, muscle aches, or difficulty thinking clearly. A GP can review the pattern, examine you, consider other causes, and coordinate suitable support.

Keep a simple symptom diary showing activity, rest, sleep, breathlessness, pain, concentration, and recovery time. Pace tasks by taking planned breaks and avoid pushing through a marked flare. Bring a list of medicines and details of your original illness and any later changes. Arrange a GP consultation when symptoms disrupt work, study, self-care, exercise, or sleep.

Seek emergency help for severe breathing difficulty, new crushing chest pain, fainting, new confusion, blue or grey lips, or sudden weakness affecting one side. Rapidly worsening symptoms should be assessed promptly, even if they began after a known COVID-19 infection.

Ask which symptoms need investigation, how to pace activity safely, whether your medicines could contribute, and what change should prompt urgent reassessment.