- Bladder problems – urgency and frequency
- Fatigue – overwhelming tiredness, unrelieved by rest
- Musculoskeletal pain – muscle aches and joint stiffness
- Cognitive dysfunction (“brain fog”) – forgetfulness, disorientation, poor concentration
- Noise and sensory overload – particularly in meetings or busy environments
- Low mood and anxiety – reduced confidence and increased worry
Despite making positive lifestyle adjustments, including adopting a healthier diet, prioritising rest, and exercising in the hope of regaining strength, Mrs B finds these strategies either ineffective or counterproductive. Activities such as going to the gym leave her more exhausted, and she is more vulnerable to recurrent infections, with prolonged recovery times.
Cognitive and functional challenges
The cognitive effects of Long Covid have significantly disrupted Mrs B’s professional life and home routine. Examples include:
- Forgetting where she has put items or missing appointments.
- Burning meals because she can no longer multitask safely in the kitchen.
- Driving in the wrong direction to work, despite years of routine travel.
- Struggling to navigate familiar spaces, bumping into door frames or tripping over thresholds.
In workplace meetings, Mrs B particularly struggles when multiple people are speaking. She describes an inability to process and retain spoken information, often leaving her with no memory of the discussion, especially towards the end of sessions. She now relies heavily on meticulous note-taking, checking and re-checking her work, which slows her productivity and heightens her fear of making mistakes.
Emotional and psychological impact
The ongoing uncertainty and decline in function have had a profound impact on Mrs B’s mental health. She reports low mood, heightened anxiety, and frustration that her usual strategies for managing wellbeing and fitness are no longer effective, in fact, they sometimes worsen her symptoms.
Her sense of identity, competence, and independence have all been challenged, leaving her fearful about her job security and her future.
Medical support
Mrs B’s GP has been supportive and has initiated interventions for perimenopause while exploring other possible causes through multiple investigations. However, no alternative explanation has been identified, and her symptoms remain persistent and disabling.
Why this case matters
Mrs B’s story illustrates the long-term, multi-system nature of Long Covid and its wide-reaching consequences:
- For individuals – profound impact on daily living, confidence, and mental wellbeing.
- For workplaces – reduced productivity, challenges with staff retention, and the need for supportive adjustments.
- For healthcare providers – the importance of holistic, person-centred care even when routine investigations show no obvious cause.
This case highlights that Long Covid is not simply “feeling tired after illness” but a complex, fluctuating condition that requires understanding, flexibility, and integrated support.
What to do next
For individuals: if you think you may be experiencing Long Covid, please make an appointment with your GP and ask for a referral to the Mid and South Essex Long Covid Service. Our team can provide assessment, guidance, and tailored support to help you manage your symptoms.
For professionals: if you are a healthcare professional, employer, or community leader and would like access to additional resources, training, or advice on supporting people with Long Covid, please contact the Mid and South Essex Long Covid Service. Together, we can ensure people living with this condition receive the understanding and support they need.
