NORTH Cumbria's Long Covid service has received over 1,000 referrals since the pandemic.  

According to the NHS, Long Covid is an affliction that can last well beyond the typical 12-week Covid recovery period and features a wide array of symptoms. 

It is a new condition that is 'still being studied'.

Symptoms often overlap and can include breathlessness, chest heaviness or palpitations, ongoing cough, problems with speech or swallowing, fatigue or lack of energy, memory, concentration problems and 'brain fog'.

Since the creation of the North Cumbria Long Covid Service, which involves a team assessing individual needs after 12 weeks following infection, a total of 1,281 referrals have been received. 

A new landmark study by Edinburgh University revealed that 1.8 per cent of the Scottish population is suffering from Long Covid, the equivalent to 90,712 people. 

Similarly, the Office for National Statistics census data showed an estimated 1.9 million people living in private households in the UK (2.9 per cent of the population) were experiencing self-reported Long Covid as of March 5, 2023. 

Fatigue continued to be the most common symptom reported as part of individuals’ experience of Long Covid. 

Recently, a man from Carlisle spoke out about the 'living hell' he has faced as a result of dealing with the affliction, as he continues to struggle with his memory, respiratory, stomach and his bladder since contracting covid at a hospital almost three years ago.

A spokesperson from North Cumbria Integrated Care said: "Our Trust offers significant support for those with Long Covid.

"Long Covid affects people in many different ways and our service draws on the expertise of a variety of specialisms including respiratory, speech and language, persistent pain services and mental health.

"That way we are able to offer the most appropriate support for a person’s needs. You can be referred to our long covid service through your GP," they said. 

The care board advises that if you feel you still have ongoing symptoms following a covid infection, it is important to contact your GP.