Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland advice line ready to help Long Covid sufferers

CHEST Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS) has voiced concern that thousands of Scots living with Long Covid could be suffering in silence.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics show that 81,000 people in Scotland are now living with Long Covid.

Of those, 68,000 report that they have symptoms of Long Covid at least 12 weeks after catching the virus, while 34,000 say they still have symptoms after 12 months.

The charity’s advice line is now ready to help anyone suffering the symptoms, saying that many people do not know where to turn.

Long Covid sufferers can experience a range of symptoms including fatigue, shortness of breath, muscle ache and difficulty concentrating. Many people find that months after a Covid infection, even although they were once healthy, they struggle to walk to the end of the road or are almost bed-bound.

The CHSS advice line is open to provide support, advice and reassurance to anyone experiencing the debilitating, long-term symptoms of Covid-19.

The charity is working in partnership with NHS and the Scottish Government to create a co-ordinated nationwide care pathway between the NHS, GPs and the charity, which has called for accelerated efforts to create a National Long Covid Support Service in Scotland.

Jane-Claire Judson, CHSS chief executive, said: "We are worried that so many people living with Long Covid are still suffering in silence and feel like they have nowhere to turn.

"Our advice line is up and running to help people with Long Covid get support living day-to-day with this debilitating condition. You can get help for things like managing fatigue, breathlessness and support with your wellbeing. Please don’t suffer in silence."

The advice line is available free on 0808 801 0899. You can also text NURSE to 66777 or email adviceline@chss.org.uk.

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