LIVING WITH LONG COVID

Whether you or someone close to you is suffering, the support you get will make all the difference

One of the things about long COVID is that it's a largely invisible illness. When you have it, you don't necessarily look any different. It's not like you've lost a limb or have a cast on your arm. Fatigue and cognitive impairment are often subjective - it's hard to show people that you're fatigued because the only way you can do that is to complain about the symptom.

But support from family and friends is crucial. Be honest and open with trusted, close family and friends, and ask them for their support. Asking for help when you need it is a strength and will help you manage your condition rather than be controlled by it.

CARING FOR SOMEONE WITH LONG COVID

Caring for someone with a chronic disease that doesn't seem to have a definite end point can be challenging. So many carers get anxious and frustrated about how long recovery takes. While, to our knowledge, long COVID isn't a permanent disability, it can make people temporarily unable to function. It can force some partners into a role they were never prepared for and they may need time to grow into it. So it's reasonable to talk about that and give yourself time, as a carer, to adjust.