‘Long Covid’: The Derbyshire woman who can’t shake off the effects of coronavirus after six months

Wendy Lewis is one of thousands of people across the UK who cannot shake off the effects of coronavirus – months after initially falling ill.

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According to the NHS, estimates suggest that 10 per cent of Covid-19 patients may still be experiencing symptoms more than three weeks after infection – and perhaps 60,000 people could be suffering from ‘long Covid’ symptoms after more than three months.

‘Long Covid’ symptoms include breathlessness, chronic fatigue, anxiety and stress.

Wendy said: “I became ill with Covid-19 on April 1 and was bedridden for eight weeks.

“I had an ambulance out on days four and six due to being unable to breath.

“Since then, though, I have not been symptom free – and I am just about to start having tests on my lungs and heart to see if there is any long-term damage.

“I thankfully have a very supportive and knowledgeable GP."

Wendy said walking up any incline is now a ‘no no’.

She added: “When I first fell ill I was 44, reasonably fit and doing a job where I was on my feet seven hours a day with additional walks at weekends.

“Now, although thankfully I am still able to work, I am unable to walk outdoors as it leaves me out of breath and raises my heart rate.”

On Wednesday, the NHS announced that people suffering with ‘long Covid’ will be offered specialist help at clinics across England.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “‘Long Covid’ can have a huge impact on people affected – so we are doing everything we can to support people who are still suffering with effects on their health.”

Sir Simon Stevens, NHS chief executive, added: “While this is still a relatively new virus, we are learning more about Covid-19 with every passing week.

“It is now clear that ‘long Covid’ can have a major impact on the lives of a significant minority of patients weeks or months after they have contracted the virus.

“So just as the NHS quickly put in place specialist hospital care for acutely ill Covid-19 patients at the start of the pandemic, now we must respond sensitively and effectively to these new patient needs.”

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