Recovery from infection with COVID-19 can vary greatly between people. Common prolonged symptoms include:
- Breathlessness
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
- Low mood
- Stress and anxiety
- Voice and swallowing problems
- Reduced fitness and muscle strength
- Joint pain and muscle aches
- Weight loss or weight gain
Reassuringly, the evidence suggests there are few complications associated with COVID-19 recovery, and most patients make a full recovery. In later sub-tutorials, we hear from three Consultants who outline the complications associated with COVID-19 and when to consider a patient for referral to secondary care, but overwhelmingly the message is reassuring.
Healthcare professionals are encouraged to guide patients to the NHS Wales COVID Recovery App, which has been structured to provide supported self-management, giving reassurance and tailor-made advice for patients on their journey of recovery. The Keeping Me Well website also offers a wide range of useful resources to guide people in their recovery from COVID-19, including pre-habilitation advice before surgery, keeping family members safe and well, and much more.