Covid has been around for a while now and we all know the typical symptoms to look out for whether it's a new and continuous cough, a fever or a loss/change to your smell or taste.
However when it comes to long covid, not many people are aware of the symptoms and simply put it down to something else - especially if their symptoms are mild.
Recently in an update to their website, NHS Inform have said things are changing for people living in Scotland meaning that individuals mid-way through an isolation period should now follow the revised guidance from May 1.
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They explain: "If you've tested positive you should follow the revised guidance to stay at home for three days if you're 18 years and under, or for five days if you're over 18 years.
"The way that we count these days has changed. Day one is the day after you took your test.
"If you were identified as a close contact, you should end daily LFD testing on May 1. You may leave self-isolation if you feel well. If you later develop a temperature or feel unwell with respiratory symptoms, you should follow the revised guidance to stay at home."
So if you're isolating and are worried about long covid - or you think you could have it - here's what you need to know...
What is long covid and who can get it?
Long covid simply means that a person is suffering with symptoms over a longer period of time such as a few weeks or more.
NHS Inform have stated that "symptoms are not limited to people who were seriously unwell or hospitalised with coronavirus."
What are the symptoms of long covid and how long do they last?
NHS Inform have said that symptoms of covid tend to get better within four weeks however now healthcare professionals have said that there are two ways that someone may refer to long-covid as.
This means that healthcare professionals may refer to long covid as:
- Ongoing symptomatic COVID-19 (four to 12 weeks)
- Post-COVID-19 syndrome (over 12 weeks)
The full list, according to NHS Inform, includes:
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Breathlessness
- Muscle and joint pain
- Sleep problems
- Loss of smell or taste
- Chest pain
- Chest tightness
- Heart palpitations
- Low mood
- Brain fog
- Loss of concentration or memory issues (cognitive impairment)
- Anxiety
- Pins and needles, and numbness (peripheral neuropathy symptoms)
- Dizziness
- Sudden confusion (delirium) particularly in older people
- Difficulties moving around (mobility impairment)
- Difficulties with or changes to your sight (visual disturbance)
- Abdominal pain
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Diarrhoea
- Weight loss and reduced appetite
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Earache
- Sore throat
- Skin rashes
- Hair loss
