Post-covid hub for people with breathing problems
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PEOPLE who are still experiencing breathing difficulties after contracting coronavirus now have a dedicated helpline.
Asthma UK and the British Lung Foundation have launched the online post-covid hub.
A range of early studies have suggested that people hospitalised with severe symptoms from the virus are developing chronic respiratory symptoms.
Post-Covid.org.uk is a site for patients, healthcare professionals and researchers. It aims to bring experts together to lead ground-breaking research, to better understand the long-term effects of covid-19 on respiratory health and provide a central point for health information and advice for patients.
Joseph Carter, head of Asthma UK and British Lung Foundation Scotland, said: “As a respiratory charity, we support the thousands of people across Scotland who have breathing difficulties.
"We understand the toll it can have on people’s lives and the concern many have about the long-term effects covid-19 will have on their lung health.
“At a time when the NHS is under immense pressure, we want to ensure anyone who’s respiratory health is affected post-covid can get the help and support they need."
The hub is the first of its kind in the UK. It brings together patients, researchers, and healthcare professionals to provide the latest information on the impact of covid-19.
Professor Jon Bennett, chairman of the board of trustees at the British Thoracic Society, said: “Many people are suffering an acute severe lung injury with some ending up in intensive care, and we know that this can have an impact on people long term.
“We urgently need post-covid care research and guidelines, to ensure we know what the best treatments are ongoing, and that people can access appropriate support and maximise their recovery.”
And Carol Stonham, chairwoman of the Primary Care Respiratory Society, said: “These are times of rapid change with many people recovering from sudden episodes of severe illness requiring critical care, then returning to community or primary care for ongoing management.
“Some will sustain ongoing lung damage, others psychological trauma. The sharing of resources allows clinicians to care for people safely and effectively wherever care needs to be delivered.”
You can find out more at www.post-covid.org.uk
People can also contact the helpline on 0300 222 5942.
