On Air Now Jack McHugh 3:00pm - 7:00pm Jason Mraz - I'm Yours Schedule

Isle Of Wight To Get Dedicated Centre For 'Long Covid'

The Isle of Wight has been chosen as a location for a new centre to combat the long-term effects of COVID-19 - or 'long COVID' as it's more commonly known.

The news has been confirmed by Health Minister Nadine Dorries, MP.

Speaking in the House of Commons yesterday (Thursday), she said UK scientists still don't have an understanding of what 'long COVID' is.

Although, she said, the effects can be both physical and mental. She told MPs:

"I am proud that this Government is committed to doing everything it can to support people who are suffering the effects on their mental or physical health. COVID-19 is still a new disease... we still don't have the evidence or the understanding of what it is, long COVID.

"It is not yet clear what the medical, psychological and rehabilitational needs will be for those experiencing long-term effects of the virus..."

Ms Dorries said there are now 69 centres operating across England, with  hundreds of patients receiving treatment.

She added:

"These centres are assessing and diagnosing people experiencing long-term health effects as a result of Covid-19 infection.

“A further 12 sites are earmarked to launch in 2021, and they will in the East Midlands, Lancashire, Cornwall and the Isle of Wight.”

“The NHS and wider scientific community are currently working to better understand the disease, the course of the Covid-19 virus – including symptoms, severity and duration – long-term effects and how best to support recovery.”

It is not yet clear where the centre will be based on the Island.

What is 'Long Covid'?

The NHS says, while most people feel better in a few days or weeks after contracting COVID-19, for some people, symptoms can last longer.

The chances of having long-term symptoms does not seem to be linked to how ill the person is when they first get coronavirus.

There are lots of symptoms you can have after a coronavirus infection.

Common long COVID symptoms include:

  • extreme tiredness (fatigue)
  • shortness of breath
  • chest pain or tightness
  • problems with memory and concentration ("brain fog")
  • difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
  • heart palpitations
  • dizziness
  • pins and needles
  • joint pain
  • depression and anxiety
  • tinnitus, earaches
  • feeling sick, diarrhoea, stomach aches, loss of appetite
  • a high temperature, cough, headaches, sore throat, changes to sense of smell or taste
  • rashes

 Isle of Wight Radio has asked the Isle of Wight Council and Isle of Wight MP, Bob Seely, for a comment.

More from Isle of Wight News