Not everyone with COVID ends up in hospital. Sufferers are beginning to report a disturbing post-viral syndrome of deep, extended fatigue, weakness, “brain fog”, anxiety and weird physical sensations that they’re calling “Long COVID”. Paul Garner of the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine tells Naomi Smith about his own strange and debilitating ten-week experience with Long COVID – and explains why employers and medical professionals need to take it seriously. 

• “I felt very fatigued, with brain fogs, my heart was racing… it felt like my life was draining out of me.”
• “I used to do an hour of intense yoga regularly. Now I do 15 minutes and I’m floored for two days.” 
• “This disease messes with your head. I’ve woken up in a very low mood, in tears… then later in the day I’ll be fine.”
• “This is very similar to ME and long-term fatigue… And patients are not being believed by employers and health professionals.” 

Presented by Naomi Smith. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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