22nd February 2022
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NHS Wales launch app to support people with long Covid
The new app will help people experiencing persistent symptoms after catching Covid to access support from health professionals
“We are still learning about the virus but it is estimated that around one in 10 people who have had coronavirus suffer some long-term symptoms. The launch of this app, which is the first of its kind, is to reassure those people that there is support available to them and that they are not alone." Vaughan Gething, health minister, Welsh government
NHS Wales has launched an app to help people experiencing long Covid.
The app, which is available in both Welsh and English, contains more than 100 videos and links to advice. It also enables users to record their symptoms, track their progress and learn to manage their condition at home. Users of the app will be able to access advice from psychologists, dietitians, therapists and consultants.
The app is part of a wider effort by the Welsh government to support people with long Covid, including helping health professionals to recognise the symptoms, signposting people to support and providing a clear pathway for people going through the healthcare system.
Post-Covid-19 syndrome, or long Covid, refers to symptoms that continue for more than 12 weeks after a bout of Covid, and are not explained by an alternative diagnosis.
First app of its kind
Vaughan Gething, health minister in the Welsh government, said: “We are still learning about the virus but it is estimated that around one in 10 people who have had coronavirus suffer some long-term symptoms. The launch of this app, which is the first of its kind, is to reassure those people that there is support available to them and that they are not alone.
“This app is part of a wider national approach which has been put into place to recognise those people who months later are still feeling a range of cardiac, neurological and psychological issues.
“Anyone can download the app but we’re also asking health professionals to recommend it to their patients so that their care can continue at home long after their appointment ends.”
Dr Fiona Jenkins, executive director of therapies at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, said the app “offers a huge range of clinical advice and allows you to support yourself, it lets you set goals, track your progress and monitor your symptoms over time. The vast majority of people fully recover quickly. However, we’ve seen that for some people, it can take three months or even longer for symptoms to settle.”
She added: “Where necessary, your GP can ensure you are checked and given access to specialist consultants and help guide you through your path to recovery which largely requires a rehabilitation approach for the majority of people, and the Covid recovery app has been developed for this purpose.”
To download the app, search “covidrecovery” on the Apple and GooglePlay app stores.
