Dr Charles Shepherd
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Content ArticleBack in April the ME Association (MEA) became aware of an increasing number of people who had been ill with COVID-19 and were not improving, even after several weeks. Almost all had been self-managed at home with an illness that mostly varied from mild to moderate in severity, but not requiring hospital admission. Most had debilitating fatigue, sometimes with continuing COVID-19 symptoms involving the lungs or heart in particular. Some had symptoms that are more consistent with the sort of post viral fatigue syndromes that may precede ME/ CFS. Five months on and we are now in a situation where some people are being given a diagnosis, or a possible diagnosis, of post COVID-19 ME/CFS. Back in April the ME Association produced an MEA guide to post COVID fatigue and post COVID fatigue syndromes. This information and guidance has now been fully updated to cover all the developments that have occurred since then.
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Content Article CommentThese are some of the important points we are picking up on how people with long/post COVID should be managed in general practice/primary care - where most are looking for help and not always getting it patients need to be listened to, believed and not have their symptoms dismissed as anxiety (which is sadly happening) GPs need to have empathy and explain about the uncertainties - especially about what may be the cause of their symptoms and the outcomes GPs need to provide on going support - not just diagnose Long Covid and leave it at that Patients with lung or heart symptoms need to have their lungs and heart physically examined in a face to face consultation - this cannot be done by phone or Zoom consultation! Those with significant lung or heart symptoms may need to be referred to a specialist for further assessment and investigation - as there is plenty of emerging evidence to show that a significant proportion of the home managed group have developed lung and heart problems There needs to be a multidisciplinary approach to management in primary care that brings in community physiotherapists, occupational therapists etc
