"It's just post-viral fatigue, give it time.", what you've probably been told
Long COVID
NHS guideline NG188 sets out how the NHS should assess, refer and manage people with ongoing symptomatic COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 syndrome. It explicitly covers fatigue, breathlessness, brain fog, post-exertional malaise, and autonomic symptoms.
The wait: Most patients report 2+ years before being taken seriously.
What GPs miss
Many GPs still treat Long COVID as a wait-and-see issue. NG188 is clear: a person with symptoms beyond 12 weeks not explained by an alternative diagnosis should be assessed and, where appropriate, referred to a multidisciplinary post-COVID assessment service.
The letter asks for
- Formal recognition of post-COVID syndrome where criteria are met
- A holistic assessment as described in NG188 §1.4
- Referral to a post-COVID assessment clinic where one is available
- Investigations to exclude alternative or additional diagnoses
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Frequently asked questions
What if my GP says Long COVID isn't a real diagnosis?
NHS guideline NG188 formally recognises post-COVID-19 syndrome as a clinical syndrome. The letter cites the guideline directly so the GP cannot dismiss it as opinion.
Can the letter ask for a specific clinic referral?
Yes. NG188 covers referral to an integrated multidisciplinary assessment service. The letter requests this where applicable.
What you hear vs. what NG188 says
What's usually said in the room
"It's just post-viral fatigue, give it time."
What the guideline actually says
Many GPs still treat Long COVID as a wait-and-see issue. NG188 is clear: a person with symptoms beyond 12 weeks not explained by an alternative diagnosis should be assessed and, where appropriate, referred to a multidisciplinary post-COVID assessment service.
Source: COVID-19 rapid guideline: managing the long-term effects of COVID-19 (NG188)
Benefits and rights for Long COVID
PIP for Long Covid / ME/CFS
How fluctuating conditions win on the reliability test.
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LCWRA on Universal Credit
£423/month extra and no work search.
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Long Covid clinic referral
Get on the NHS NG188 pathway.
Read the guide →
GP receptionist complaint
Escalate when reception is the bottleneck on referrals.
Read the guide →
Outcomes from people with Long COVID
One short email each Sunday, anonymised stories from people who got their GP to take them seriously.