With news that the NHS in North Cumbria is looking at ways to support people experiencing symptoms of ‘Long Covid’, News & Star readers have shared their thoughts on the phenomenon.

Long Covid is a term being increasingly used to describe the continuing effects some people are having after contracting Covid-19.

Increasing numbers of people are reporting an inability to quickly recover from the illness, with some suffering significant fatigue or breathlessness.

Helen Horton, GP lead for commissioning and pathways with the North Cumbria Clinical Commissioning Group, said that doctors in north Cumbria are “starting to see a little bit more symptoms” consistent with descriptions of “long Covid” being presented.”

Caroline McCreedy-may wrote on Facebook: “I take multiple face coverings out with me in a bag with a seal and change as and when I need to. Used masks go into a different sealed bag until I get to wash them.”

Her comment was met with thumbs up and a responsible simply saying “sensible”.

Another reader shared their own experiences of Long Covid: “It’s when you have had Covid and got over the worst. Lots of people are left with side effects.

“I am constantly tired all the time and short of breath. If I do nothing I am fine but if I do housework and had a busy day, I am so tired.”