Greater Manchester scientist warns of long Covid 'epidemic'
Dr Raymond Perrin is working with a team at Salford Royal researching how patients can treat themselves at home.
A Neuroscientist and Osteopath in Greater Manchester is warning a coronavirus vaccine won't prevent a 'new epidemic' of those suffering with Covid symptoms after having the virus.
Dr Raymond Perrin, who usually deals with patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, says he's seen an influx of people getting in touch with symptoms of post viral syndrome, or 'long Covid'.
He's now working with the NHS on a research project into the effects at Salford Royal Hospital - and how patients can help themselves.
He tells us "hopefully this will help patients around the country, if not around the world".
The issue's been debated by MPs in the Commons today, where Conservative MP and practising doctor Dan Poulter has urged the Government to look at the long term effects of the virus.
Dr Poulter (Central Suffolk and North Ipswich), who has been working on the front line throughout the pandemic, told the Commons: "There is no doubt that long Covid has a life-changing impact on the lives of some of the people that it affects.''
He added: "It is young people who very often are the victims of these life-changing impacts of long Covid. It is, as (Layla Moran) outlined, a subject about which we are learning literally by the day and we still need to better evaluate the data and the statistics on long Covid.
"But undoubtedly we are seeing a group of individuals who are experiencing effects of Covid often at many weeks or months after their initial infection and it is those individuals who need help.''
Dr Poulter asked the Government "to look at the mental health impact of long Covid on people''.
He said: "We have a cohort of people who are leaving intensive care, who have often been traumatised with PTSD-type symptoms in intensive care whilst they've been treated for Covid, many of whom it will take many weeks and months to recover. That group needs special attention in particular.''
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