Doctors’ fears over number of Long Covid cases

Dr John Ribchester and Dr Jeremy Carter

Doctors are treating dozens of Long Covid sufferers across the district – but fear more people could have the illness. Medics at one practice in Herne Bay say they are treating as many as 50 patients with the condition - a long-term effect of coronavirus in which people experience chronic fatigue, brain fog and breathlessness.

Specialists estimate that 5% of Covid- 19 sufferers are sick with the symptoms for at least eight weeks; while one in 45 is ill for more than three months.

Due to a lack of testing at the beginning of the pandemic, Park Surgery practice partner Dr Jeremy Carter says more people could be battling the lengthy illness in silence.

“In terms of the number we’ve seen with Long Covid, there’s no more than 50,” he said.

“The ones who are coming to us are probably more debilitated by it. There are others on a milder spectrum, and they’re the ones we’re potentially not hearing from.

“There may well be more. With the current second wave and a new tranche of patients getting infected, this is probably going to be an ongoing phenomenon.” The symptoms of Long Covid can also include anxiety, stress and, in some cases, permanent organ damage. Research conducted by King’s College London suggests the chance of coming down with it is increased among the elderly, overweight, asthmatics and women.

Whitstable Medical Practice executive partner Dr John Ribchester says he and his colleagues have also treated patients battling Long Covid.

“It’s very debilitating. If patients don’t see their GP about it, they can slip further into long-term depression and possibly lose their jobs,” he added. “Without reliable information as to the number of people who have had Covid, it’s difficult to know whether their symptoms are due to Long Covid or other psychological reasons

“The antibody test tells you if somebody has had coronavirus in the past, but the current thinking is antibodies don’t develop in everybody.” Dr Ribchester says that, without a positive coronavirus test, medics cannot be sure if patients have Long Covid or another illness, like chronic fatigue syndrome.

Health officials have estimated that 60,000 people could be suffering with the long-term after-effects of Covid-19. Dr Carter says the wide range of symptoms makes it difficult to diagnose, which means many patients struggle to access the appropriate care.

“We’re still learning about this,” he continued.

“I’m not aware of the symptoms worsening if they go unchecked. Part of the problem is there isn’t a cure for it, so we have to manage it.

“Some people have been knocked for six by it. We have seen patients whose ability to work, exercise and carry on with their day-to-day functions has been affected.”