"It's just post-viral fatigue, give it time."— what you've probably been told
Long COVID
NICE 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.
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.
- 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
What if my GP says Long COVID isn't a real diagnosis?
NICE 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 §1.5 covers referral to assessment services. The letter requests this where applicable.
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)
Outcomes from people with Long COVID
One short email each Sunday — anonymised stories from people who got their GP to take them seriously.