Long COVID is a term used to describe signs and symptoms that continue or develop after COVID‑19.
It includes both ongoing symptoms of COVID‑19 (4 to 12 weeks) and post‑COVID‑19 syndrome (over 12 weeks).
Signs and symptoms of longer term effects of COVID-19 might include:
- fatigue
- breathlessness
- heart, physical or psychological impacts
Read more information about long COVID on the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) website .
Support available to people with long COVID
To help people recover from COVID-19 we are focussing on providing care and support that:
- is as close to home as possible
- meets your specific needs
Most people with long COVID are likely to need a rehabilitation approach. Health and care services in the community are ideally placed to provide this.
In some cases, you may need to go to hospital for further investigation. If this is the case, you will be referred by your GP.
Working with NHS Wales we have developed the All Wales Community Pathway. The pathway provides a framework for health boards to develop services to meet the specific needs of their communities.
Support from your local health board
You can find out more about support for long COVID from your local health board:
- Aneurin Bevan University Health Board
- Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board
- Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
- Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board
- Hywel Dda University Health Board
- Powys Teaching Health Board
- Swansea Bay University Health Board
If you need further advice, you can also contact the 111 online coronavirus service.
Further information about long COVID is also available on the Public Health Wales website and the Health Education and Improvement Wales website.
COVID recovery app
To help you manage your symptoms, you can also download the COVID Recovery App.
The app has been developed to support people who are still feeling a range of cardiac, neurological and psychological issues after having COVID-19.
Your health professional may recommend the app to you as part of your rehabilitation support, but you can also download it directly from the Google Play or Apple app store.