UK Parliamentary Office for Science and Technology briefing paper on Long Covid, December 2021

UK Government Rapid Response on Long COVID
Long COVID: The long-term health effects of COVID-19 (17/12/21).

(Not sure the "rapid response" label is entirely justified.)

Describes symptoms as " fatigue, shortness of breath, cough, sleep disturbances, anxiety and depression, cognitive impairment, and difficulty concentrating (brain fog)" as well as groups of generalised, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, dermatological symptoms.

Also describes symptoms in clusters that may increase, remain stable or decrease over time. They noted that the respiratory symptom cluster tended not to increase over time.

I also note reference to a "tiredness cluster" and a "respiratory cluster". Oddly, shortness of breath is put in both the tiredness and respiratory clusters.

Prevalence figures are already grim. 1.2 million, including 77000 children.

Brief mention of biological mechanisms and risk factors. Role of vaccines. Treatments appear sparse, eg self-management, rest and relaxation.

Uncertainty around omicron.

 

This is my biggest concern right now.