9.1% of people in England suspect long Covid

Research from the University of Southampton suggests that nearly 10% of people in England believe they may have long Covid. This condition is a long-term effect of Covid-19 and includes symptoms like fatigue, breathlessness, brain fog, and heart palpitations. The study analyzed over 750,000 responses from the GP Patient Survey. It found that while 9.1% of respondents think they might have long Covid, only 4.8% reported being officially diagnosed with it. The research highlights that those living in poorer areas and individuals from specific ethnic backgrounds are more often affected. Professor Nisreen Alwan, a co-author of the study, emphasized that long Covid is particularly unfair. People already facing disadvantages in society are at greater risk. He stated the need for better prevention, diagnosis, and support for those affected by long Covid, which remains a significant issue for families and the economy. The research also indicated that younger people, males, and those from certain ethnic groups are unsure if they have the condition. Men who suspect they may have long Covid were less likely to seek medical help compared to women. Mirembe Woodrow, a PhD student involved in the analysis, expressed surprise at the number of people uncertain about their condition. She called for increased awareness and easier access to diagnosis and treatment to prevent long Covid from widening health inequalities in the UK.