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The UK may have now past the worse of the pandemic, but the burden of Long Covid is only going to intensify in the weeks and months ahead.
Estimates suggest that well over a million people are suffering from the condition, nearly half of whom have struggled with persistent symptoms for at least a year.
Many will have developed Long Covid after the recent Omicron wave, which fuelled millions of weekly infections over the Christmas period.
Yet support and treatment for these individuals has been in short supply. The NHS’ dedicated long Covid clinics have struggled to cope with high demand from patients, who feel neglected and ignored by the health system.
Some ‘long haulers,’ as they’re known, have come together to form support groups and have regularly petitioned the government for more help and recognition of their plight.
Despite the many challenges that lie ahead, there is some hope on the horizon: scientists are starting to make progress in better understanding long Covid and closing in on some of the biggest questions surrounding the condition.
To discuss all of these themes, join out expert panel hosted by The Independent's Health Correspondent Rebecca Thomas and Science Correspondent Samuel Lovett, with Dr Elaine Maxwell, Professor Amitava Banerjee and Professor Brendan Delaney.