NICE COVID-19 rapid guideline: managing the long-term effects of COVID-19 [NG 188] Last updated 25 January 2024
- Some people who have had COVID-19 do not get better as quickly as expected, even those who were not severely ill.
- Many people are finding they are still unwell more than 4 weeks after the start of their infection, and some develop new problems over several weeks.
- Long COVID is one term that has been used to describe these symptoms, which can change and come and go over time.
- Long COVID is very new and not much is known about it, which can make it hard for people to get care when they need it and for healthcare professionals to know how best to help people.
- To tackle this, NICE, the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) and the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) have worked together on this guideline.
- We will keep updating this guideline as we find out more about long COVID.
- NICE, RCGP and SIGN have produced a booklet about Long COVID that gives more detail about what the guideline says about care for people with long COVID. The information covers:
- What long COVID is and how to tell if you have it.
- How symptoms will be assessed and tests you might be offered.
- How your care will be planned, and who will be involved.
- What may help your symptoms, including things you can do yourself or how rehabilitation could help.
- Follow-up appointments.
- Where to find more information.
- See also, the SIGN long COVID Patient Information app.