Concern rises over long Covid's lasting impact in UK

Sue Snelson, a retired nurse from Scunthorpe, has been struggling with long Covid for five years. She still experiences significant symptoms, such as shortness of breath, painful joints, poor sleep, and memory issues. Sue caught Covid-19 in May 2020 while working in the hospital. She was very ill and needed treatment for pneumonia, spending 12 days in the ICU. After recovering, she hoped to return to normal life, but her symptoms persisted. While she managed to work for a while, she retired last year. Now, five years later, she worries that her condition may worsen over time. The uncertainty of long Covid affects her daily life, including interactions with her grandchildren and travel plans with her husband. According to the Office for National Statistics, about 1.9 million people in the UK report long Covid symptoms. Fatigue remains the most common symptom. There has been a decline in NHS clinics for treatment, as referrals have dropped significantly. Despite her challenges, Sue is determined to keep fighting. She refuses to install a stairlift, choosing instead to push herself to continue moving forward. "I keep going," she says, "I'm determined not to let it beat me."