Five years on from lockdown and long Covid still has "lasting" impacts
Long Covid Social Prescriber at Colchester Citizens advice, Katharine Liu, says it's important "to keep talking"
It's five years since the Covid nineteen lockdown was announced and we're hearing from a long covid social prescriber in Essex that "people continue to suffer".
Katherine Liu works at Colchester Citizens advice helping sufferers deal with non-clinical issues such as medical notes, benefits, and finding work.
Long Covid affects people in a way they "don't understand. Why has it affected them and not the neighbour next door?"
"The main thing is to feel like you have a voice, and someone to talk to.
"Knowing there are other people out there who feel the same way really does help people.
Long COVID is generally defined as symptoms persisting for three months or more after acute COVID-19, including brain fog, fatigue and breathing difficulties.
Katharine says "brain fog, fatigue, and breathing difficulties" are the core three symptoms she sees.
"There are clinics you can go to to assist with those symptoms, but help people deal with non-clinical issues as they may struggle to work or support their family."
On Wednesday 26th March, a conference is being held in Birmingham for the Post Covid Clinical Society.
Katharine tells us she hopes it'll provide more information on the research going on around the country, and trials going forward.
She reinforces the main thing is "to keep talking and raising awareness".
Research by the University of Oxford reveals Long COVID can affect almost anyone, including all age groups and children.
The rate of Long COVID in the most deprived fifth of the UK population (3.2%) is more than twice as high as that in the least deprived fifth (1.5%). Women are slightly more likely than men to be affected, according to the 2024 study.
The researchers found that while some people gradually get better from Long COVID, in others the condition can persist for years.
In Colchester, a memorial stone is set to be placed at Trinity Square, once the restoration work at Holy Trinity Church is completed, ensuring that the legacy of those we lost from Covid-19 will be remembered and honoured for generations to come.
The Mayor, Cllr Lesley Scott-Boutell, has been dedicated to making this memorial a reality, pushing forward the initiative to ensure a meaningful place of remembrance in the heart of the city.
The Mayor of Colchester said: “The memorial stone at Trinity Square will provide another important place for quiet reflection, ensuring the legacy of those we lost is honoured for generations to come. Remembrance flowers such as lavender and forget-me-nots will be planted around the memorial, symbolising love, memory, and resilience.”
“It is crucial that people have an easily accessible place to reflect and find comfort. Trinity Square is the perfect location for this memorial, it will be a space where our community can come together in remembrance and healing, and it’s great that we’ve been able to organise the memorial ready for when the works are completed in the coming years.”
If you are concerned about yourself, or someone you know, please go to your GP.
For further support, please contact Colchester Citizen's Advice on 0808 278 7853 or email [email protected].