Doctors in the UK are alerting the public to the key symptoms of long Covid amid a growing number of cases. Over two million individuals in the country are currently grappling with long Covid, a condition characterized by prolonged coronavirus symptoms lasting beyond 12 weeks, which experts have labeled as “the forgotten epidemic.”
As the global circulation of the Covid virus persists, the incidence of long Covid continues to rise. In response, health authorities have introduced a Covid booster vaccination available this spring for specific groups, including older adults in care homes and individuals aged 75 years and above by June 30, 2026.
To aid in early recognition, health experts are emphasizing the importance of recognizing the symptoms of long Covid. These signs, as highlighted by Mark Faghy, a clinical exercise physiology professor at Loughborough University, encompass brain fog, breathlessness, and joint and muscle pain. Another prominent indicator is post-exertion malaise, described by Prof Fagby as a resurgence of symptoms following minimal physical, mental, or emotional activity, with effects potentially lasting for weeks.
While some may believe that long Covid has diminished, experts like Danny Altmann, an immunology professor at Imperial College London, assert that the syndrome remains a prevalent issue. The story of Stephanie deGiorgio, a mother of two who continues to experience long Covid symptoms six years after her initial Covid infection, serves as a poignant reminder of the lasting impact of the condition.
Certain individuals are encouraged to avail themselves of the free NHS spring booster, with the UK Health Security Agency cautioning that protection from earlier Covid vaccinations may be diminishing. The eligibility criteria for the spring Covid vaccination remain consistent with those of spring 2025, encompassing individuals aged 75 and above across all UK nations.
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