About Long COVID

What is Long COVID?
In this section, we explain what Long COVID is, the common symptoms, when to get help, treatment and support, and when you might feel back to normal.

Long COVID care in the NHS
Find out the care you can expect from the NHS when recovering from Long COVID, whether you were treated in hospital or have been managing your symptoms at home.

Breathlessness support
On this page we have information for helping you to manage breathlessness if you have Long COVID.

Managing a cough
If you have Long COVID, you may have a cough that hasn’t gone away yet. On this page, we have support for managing a cough.

Movement and energy support
Some people feel tired all the time after having coronavirus. On this page we have information about managing your energy and support for getting you moving more.

Emotional support for Long COVID
Many people find that being ill for a long time has an impact on their mental health and emotional wellbeing.
Breathlessness support videos

1. Introduction to breathlessness
The video on this page will give you an introduction to how breathlessness might make you feel.

2. Breathing control
The video on this page will teach you breathing control exercises to help when you’re short of breath or feeling anxious.

3. Techniques for managing breathlessness
In this video, we provide a number of breathing techniques to help you if you become breathless, including the rectangle breathing technique.

4. Breathing techniques for moving or lifting
In this video, we provide breathing techniques for when you’re moving or lifting heavy items. Watch the video and create a plan for using these breathing techniques.
Movement support videos

Movement support course
In this course of videos, we help people with Long COVID to keep moving and get more active.

2. Introduction to movement
Watch the introduction to our series of five videos on movement. It’s important that you watch this video first.

3. Warm up
Try to warm up for 5-10 minutes. The aim is to gently move your joints and gradually raise your heart rate to increase the blood flow to your heart, lungs, and muscles.

4. Lower body
In this video, we will guide you through some exercises to help strengthen your lower body. This involves using your ankles and your legs.

5. Upper body
In this video, we will guide you through some exercises to help strengthen your upper body. This involves using your hands, arms, and shoulders.

5. Cool down
To finish your exercise session safely, cool down, so your heart rate can gradually return to normal.

7. Track your activity and progress
Recording your activity can help you to notice what activities make your symptoms worse. For example, you might notice that every day you’ve worked and tried to do another activity, you’ve been feeling unwell.
Page last reviewed
Next review due
Page last reviewed:
Next review due: