Coronavirus (COVID-19): long-term health effects
Updated 30 April 2021
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This page provides information about post-acute COVID-19, also known as Long COVID.
The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) describes post-COVID-19 syndrome as ‘signs or symptoms that develop during or after an infection consistent with COVID-19 that continue for more than 12 weeks and are not explained by an alternative diagnosis’. Further information from NICE can be found in their Long COVID guideline that was published in December 2020.
In October 2020, the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) published a dynamic review of the evidence around ongoing COVID-19 symptoms. This is a ‘themed review’, which provides a narrative about the topic based on a selection of different kinds of evidence including lived experiences.
The NHS has developed resources to help those affected by COVID-19 in the support of their recovery. ‘Your COVID Recovery’ aims to help those experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, including Long COVID, to understand the virus and what they might expect as part of their recovery.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) releases data on the prevalence of ongoing symptoms following COVID-19 infection in the UK. This was last updated on 1 April 2021 and is based on self-reported data of those who have had symptoms associated with Long COVID.