Older people and women more likely to suffer long-term effects of COVID-19

Older people and women are more likely to suffer long-term effects of COVID-19, according to a new study which found 10 per cent of 18-49 year-olds suffer long-term, with the rate rising to 22 per cent of people over the age of 70.

The study by King’s College London used data from the COVID Symptom Study app and found older people, women and those with a greater number of different symptoms in the first week of their illness were more likely to develop long COVID. Weight and asthma can also have an effect.

The research led by Dr Claire Steves and Professor Tim Spector focused on data from 4,182 COVID Symptom Study app users who had been consistently logging their health and tested positive for COVID-19 through swab PCR testing.

Professor Tim Spector, COVID Symptom Study lead and Professor of Genetic Epidemiology from King’s said: “COVID-19 is a mild illness for many, but for one in 50 symptoms can persist for longer than 12 weeks.

'As well as excess deaths, we need to consider those affected by long-term COVID'

“So it’s important that, as well as worrying about excess deaths, we also need to consider those who will be affected by long COVID if we don’t get the pandemic under control soon. As we wait for a vaccine, it is vital that we all work together to stem the spread of coronavirus via lifestyle changes and more rigorous self isolating with symptoms or positive tests.”

In the wake of the research, Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock, is urging people to follow the guidelines to protect themselves from the virus. He said: “I am acutely aware of the lasting and debilitating impact long COVID can have on people of all ages, irrespective of the seriousness of the initial symptoms.

“The findings from researchers at King's College London are stark and this should be a sharp reminder to the public – including to young people – that COVID-19 is indiscriminate and can have long-term and potentially devastating effects.”

He added: “The more people take risks by meeting up in large groups or not social distancing, the more the wider population will suffer, and the more cases of long COVID we will see.”

The government has released a new film showing the long-term effects of the virus featuring the stories of Jade, 22, Jade, 32, Tom, 32 and John, 48, who explain how their lives have been affected - weeks and months after being diagnosed with COVID-19.

Long-term effects include breathlessness, intermittent fevers and chest pain

They discuss symptoms such as breathlessness when walking up the stairs, intermittent fevers and chest pain.

Mr Hancock said: “The powerful new film we’re releasing today sheds light on the long-term impact this devastating virus has and should act as a stark reminder to us all.”

Tom, 32, who features in the film says: “Do not make the mistake of thinking that being young or being fit is going to stop COVID from having a long-term impact on your health.”

Jade, 32, adds: “The virus doesn’t care about any of that.” She says: “I developed coronavirus symptoms in March and, as someone who lives alone, it was very concerning, and I hoped it would be over after a week or two.

“Every time I thought I was making a recovery my symptoms returned – my breathing and fatigue was overwhelming, and I eventually understood I was experiencing the long-term COVID-19. More than anything I think it’s important for people to understand this isn’t always a two-week long virus – it has hugely affected my life and I hope the video and my story encourages those watching to do what they can to prevent infection of the virus.”

Jade 22, who also features in the film reveals: “I haven’t had a day since mid-March where I’ve felt better. I’m a nursery practitioner and I haven’t been able to work for seven months now. I’m having to rest more, sleep more and I don’t have the energy that I used to at all. I really hope that I go back to my normal self. Not knowing makes me feel really worried about my future.”

The NHS recently announced £10 million to run designated long COVID clinics in every area across England where respiratory consultants, physiotherapists, other specialists and GPs will all help assess, diagnose and treat thousands of people who have reported symptoms ranging from breathlessness, chronic fatigue, 'brain fog' to anxiety and stress.

Professor Stephen Powis, NHS medical director, said: “As we continue to learn more about COVID-19, it is clear that a significant minority of patients are suffering the after effects for weeks or months after contracting the virus.

"New specialist centres across the country will see respiratory consultants, physiotherapists, other specialists and GPs, all help assess, diagnose and treat patients who are suffering, and so it has never been more important that everyone does what they can to reduce the risk of spreading the virus by following the Hands, Face, Space guidance."

The research from King's College found long COVID sufferers more commonly reported heart symptoms such as palpitations or fast heartbeat, as well as pins and needles or numbness, and problems concentrating (‘brain fog’).

One in 20 with COVID-19 ill for eight weeks

Most people with COVID-19 reported being back to normal in 11 days or less, with around one in seven having COVID-19 symptoms lasting for at least four weeks, with around one in 20 staying ill for eight weeks and one in 50 suffering for longer than 12 weeks.

If you are suffering from any long-term symptoms or health problems after recovering from COVID-19, speak to your GP, call 111 or check the Your Covid Recovery website - an online COVID recovery resource for patients.