Am I just tired or is this long Covid?

THIS DEBILITATING CONDITION CAN REQUIRE MORE ATTENTION THAN JUST AN EARLY NIGHT

- SAYS CAMILLA FOSTER

RECENT research has revealed that nearly 10% of people in the UK believe they might have long Covid.

A study conducted by the University of Southampton, published in the Health Expectations journal, analysed NHS data and found that 9.1% of individuals suspect they have the condition.

The study also found that 4.8% of people reported actually having long Covid, with higher rates observed in more deprived areas, among specific ethnic groups, parents, carers, and those with other ongoing health issues.

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of long Covid, so we have consulted some experts to find out how to differentiate between simple tiredness and a potential chronic condition that might require more attention than just a bit of extra sleep.

What are the main symptoms of long Covid?

"The symptoms can be vague and generalised, but common complaints include persistent fatigue, shortness of breath, joint and muscle pain and memory problems, sleep disturbance and chest pain," explains Dr Naveed Asif, GP at The London General Practice.

"Furthermore, you might experience changes in your smell or taste, persistent headaches, heart palpitations (feeling your heart beating harder or faster than normal) and stomach upset."

How do I differentiate between general tiredness and long Covid fatigue?

"It's a very unusual type of fatigue, and that you haven't done anything that would warrant you being tired, you've just been living your normal life," says Dr Margaret O'Hara, founder trustee and lead of research at Long Covid Support.