These recommendations are for healthcare professionals assessing people in any healthcare setting, 4 weeks or more after the start of suspected or confirmed acute COVID-19.
2.2 Be aware that people can have wide-ranging and fluctuating symptoms after acute COVID‑19, which can change in nature over time (see info box below).
2.3 Discuss the person’s experience of their symptoms and how their life and activities have been affected, including work, education, mobility and independence. Ask about any feelings of worry or distress. Listen to their concerns with empathy and acknowledge the impact on their day-to-day life.Â
2.4 For people who may benefit from support during their assessment, for example, to help describe their symptoms, include a family member or carer in discussions if the person agrees.
2.5 Do not predict whether a person is likely to develop post‑COVID‑19 syndrome based on whether they had certain symptoms (or clusters of symptoms) or were in hospital during acute COVID‑19.
2.6 If the person reports new cognitive symptoms, use a validated screening tool to measure any impairment and impact.