The COVID-19 pandemic has left millions of recovered people with continuing health issues. In the UK, about 1.3 million people in private households (about 2% of the population) were experiencing self-reported long Covid symptoms at the end of last year. According to the UK's Office for National Statistics (ONS), around one in seven people who tested positive for COVID-19 still have symptoms 12 weeks later.

They are experiencing long Covid linked symptoms including fatigue, loss of smell, breathlessness, difficulty concentrating (brain fog), headaches and muscle aches.

Healthcare providers such as HCA Healthcare UK are operating clinics to aid recovery of people experiencing long Covid symptoms. Experts note that after-effects of the disease are so wide that the clinics are seeing the involvement of specialists such as respiratory physicians, rheumatologists, gastroenterologists, radiologists, physiologists, neurologists, cardiologists, nephrologists, clinical psychologists, and rehabilitation and exercise medicine experts.

As per a statement issued by the company, patients are seen by a specialist in the area where their symptoms are most acute. Later, these specialists review the necessary tests and scans to guide treatment. For further treatment, they can refer patients to other specialists.

Dr Raza Siddiqui, executive director for Long Covid programme at RAK Hospital, noted that rehabilitation programmes for the medical condition are likely to be set up in two to three years. As per his estimates, there are about 5 percent of Covid patients suffering from continuing complications.

Dr Siddiqui pointed out that psychological factors play a major role, adding that long Covid is more common among people “who are easily stressed or anxious”.

“Long Covid is a combination of factors. We only have data for 18 months or so, but depression is a common theme among our patients, and this attracts other complications. Patients must have a strong desire to recover," he added.

Studies have also shown that a person’s state of mind before COVID-19 infections impact the likelihood of developing long Covid, said Prof Paul Hunter, a professor in medicine and an infectious diseases specialist at the University of East Anglia in the UK. Furthermore, post-viral syndromes are among some of the challenging topics to discuss.

“It’s real, but how common it is is still difficult to know for certain. Most studies that have addressed this are known to be highly prone to bias. They say, ‘Are you experiencing symptoms?’ We all experience symptoms all the time. If you’ve had COVID-19, you may be experiencing symptoms because you’ve got long Covid or think you have. Higher quality studies have come up with lower estimates," he added.

When compared to other post-viral syndromes, most people appear to recover from their symptoms, the doctor pointed out.

'Some people may never return to normal'

While a majority of people are expected to improve over time, there are possibilities that some people may never return to normal. According to Dr Andrew Freedman, an infectious diseases specialist at UK's Cardiff University, those who had severe organ damage including the lungs may not recover completely.

Meanwhile, vaccination is expected to reduce the chances of development of long Covid among inoculated individuals. The doctor noted that as more of the world’s population is vaccinated, the numbers of patients with the condition is likely to reduce.

“Other coronaviruses cause common colds. They don’t usually leave lasting symptoms after the infection, so probably COVID will be much the same,” Dr Freedman said.

However, currently there are people with long covid who need assistance to recover from the disease.

London’s Cromwell Hospital, which is run by a private healthcare provider BUPA, is conducting initial assessment in the Long Covid Clinic using blood tests, detailed evaluation of heart and lung function and (if necessary) tests on neurological, hormone and musculoskeletal systems.

“The most common demographic we’re seeing in our clinic is women aged between mid-20s and mid-50s,” said Dr Brian O’Connor, consultant in respiratory medicine and lead consultant at the Long Covid Clinic.

The medical specialist added that these women tend to be high achievers and often have children. She cited the women's quick return to full-on lifestyle and not allowing their bodies to recover as one of the major reasons behind their suffering due to long Covid.

A significant number of patients at the clinic have typically had mild COVID-19. However, their rapid return to full-time work or a high-intensity exercise regime may have resulted in long Covid symptoms.

An exercise regime built up gradually can aid recovery. Similarly, a daily routine in which tasks are completed in the morning, when energy levels are higher can help in improved recovery. Dr O’Connor urged people to go ahead with their routine at their own pace and not overdo during the recovery process.

“We’re still seeing patients coming forward to access the long Covid Clinic at the Cromwell Hospital, as often there’s a lag between having Covid and patients feeling that they are still not fully recovered. I anticipate that rates of long Covid will decrease as more people are fully vaccinated, as fewer people develop Covid in the first place," he added.