Symptoms include fatigue, feeling short of breath, ‘brain fog, and heart palpitations
Researchers from the University of Southampton say that nearly one in 10 people in England reckon they might be grappling with long Covid. This analysis, derived from NHS England’s figures, pointed out that 4.8% confirmed battling the condition, noting a prevalence in underprivileged areas, among specific ethnic groups, and in individuals already facing the challenges of parenting, caregiving, or managing other long-term health issues.
Long Covid, recognised as a persistent problem triggered by Covid-19, manifests itself through symptoms such as severe fatigue, breathlessness, mental fog, and heart fluttering. The study, published in Health Expectations journal, unearthed that 9.1% suspect they have long Covid—a figure reflecting both uncertainty and the potential need for better diagnosis and care pathways.
Professor Nisreen Alwan said: “This analysis adds further evidence of the unfairness of long Covid, with people who are already disadvantaged in society more likely to be affected. It also shows us that many people aren’t sure if they have it, and may need diagnosis, treatment and support.”
Highlighting its pervasive impact on people, families, and wider economic and societal structures, she said: “Long Covid is still a very significant issue impacting individuals, families, the economy and wider society. We need to do more to prevent it, diagnose it, and properly support people who are affected by it.”
Delving into data from over 750,000 responses to the 2023 GP Patient Survey (England), the researchers found that younger adults, men, certain ethnic minorities, and those without chronic conditions were more inclined to waver about whether they suffered from long Covid, reports Surrey Live.
Research has revealed that men are generally less likely to seek medical advice compared to women, which may contribute to the higher uncertainty surrounding various conditions. This reluctance, along with stigma and self-doubt, could discourage individuals from pursuing a diagnosis.
Mirembe Woodrow, who is working towards her PhD at Southampton and conducted the analysis, said: “We were really surprised to find so many people weren’t sure whether they had long Covid or not, and the study shows there is still work to do to increase awareness of the condition and remove barriers to accessing diagnosis, treatment and support.”
She pointed out that avoiding increased health disparities in the UK requires addressing conditions like long Covid without hesitation: “We don’t want long Covid to be another factor that contributes to the widening health gap in the UK.”
Adding to this, she referenced the latest data from the 2024 GP Patient Survey, indicating similar figures on the condition’s presence, with about 5% of people found to have long Covid and 9% uncertain about their status.
