Come back STRONG from COVID

The road to recovery can be a long and bumpy one. Here’s how to cope in the aftermath of coronavirus until you feel your healthy self again

- JENNY ROWE

Almost two years on from the first national lockdown, it’s clear COVID-19 isn’t going anywhere fast. While new variants pose new challenges, the fact remains that bouncing back from any infection – COVID or otherwise – takes time, particularly if you are hospitalised or suffer complications. Most people will recover fully within 12 weeks*, but for some, issues go on for months or years, even when symptoms were initially mild.

Whether you’ve just received a positive test result or still don’t feel 100% months after a diagnosis, here’s what could help.

Moving on

‘Feeling fatigued and not back to normal after four weeks is not unusual,’ says Emma Tucker, post-COVID rehabilitation coordinator for Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust. “Stop, rest, pace” is a good mantra to keep in mind. ‘You can’t exercise this virus out or speed up recovery this way. If your body says stop, then you must. Fatigue is there for a reason.’

If you’re seven days clear of all symptoms, start with a short, gentle walk, advises GP Dr Dane Vishnubala, chief medical advisor at Active IQ. ‘Gradually add a little more distance and walk a little faster as you feel better and stronger.’

Consider taking someone with you initially to help you regain your confidence.

Mind matters