Almost one in 10 may have long Covid, research finds

Almost one in 10 people in England think they could have long Covid, according to analysis of national data.

University of Southampton researchers examined information collected by NHS England that showed 4.8% of people reported having the condition.

The analysis of more than 750,000 responses to the GP Patient Survey also found that 9.1% of people believe they may have long Covid.

Long Covid is a chronic condition induced by Covid-19 infection, with symptoms including fatigue, feeling short of breath, brain fog, and heart palpitations.

The information also shows higher rates of long Covid in deprived areas and people with particular ethnic backgrounds, parents, carers and those with another long-term condition.

Professor Nisreen Alwan, who co-authored the study, said the analysis "adds further evidence of the unfairness of long Covid", with people who are "already disadvantaged in society more likely to be affected".

"It also shows us that many people aren't sure if they have it, and may need diagnosis, treatment and support."

She said the condition was "still a very significant issue impacting individuals, families, the economy and wider society".

"We need to do more to prevent it, diagnose it, and properly support people who are affected by it," he added.

Researchers found that people aged under 25, males, from particular ethnic minorities, or those without long-term conditions were more likely to be unsure if they had long Covid.

Men are generally less likely to seek medical advice than women, which could partly explain their higher level of uncertainty. The team also say stigma and self-doubt could discourage people from seeking a diagnosis.

Mirembe Woodrow, who is studying for a PhD at Southampton, carried out the analysis: "We were really surprised to find so many people weren't sure whether they had long Covid or not, and the study shows there is still work to do to increase awareness of the condition and remove barriers to accessing diagnosis, treatment and support."

"We don't want long Covid to be another factor that contributes to the widening health gap in the UK."

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