Congleton woman says her battle with Long Covid has left her living in limbo
It's as latest figures reveal a million people experienced Long Covid in April
Last updated 7th Jun 2021
As the final lifting of restrictions and return to full normality falls into question, directors of Public Health across Cheshire are relaunching a campaign to ‘Spread the Facts’ about how young people can play their part in stopping the spread of COVID-19.
With the vaccine rollout in England now opened up to those aged 30 and over, young frontline health workers have joined forces to make the facts clearer for young people and urge them to both get the vaccine when their turn comes and get tested regularly, even if they have no symptoms.
As part of the initiative, which is a collaboration between the NHS and local councils in Cheshire, ‘Long Covid’ sufferer Julia, from Congleton, has shared her own personal experience of Long Covid and the devastating impact it continues to have on her life.
The 54-year-old contracted COVID-19 in March 2020 and is still experiencing debilitating symptoms over a year on. Julia wants to warn people about the impact the virus can have on lives.
"I'm still struggling with my chest and my breathing." she said.
"I used to be very fit. I'm 54 now, but I was cycling, I was running, I was walking a lot. I used to go out, hill climbing, on holidays - even scuba diving. And now I'm just not doing anything."
"I feel 20 years older than I used to."
"I don't feel as though I want to go walking because I want to try to save that energy for what I want to do. So it's a lot of it is fatigue, muscle pain, and that sort of thing - it's a really horrendous muscle pain in my legs - they start getting very sore and I struggle to sleep at night.
"Energy wise, I just don't really have any." said Julia.
"My brain just doesn't function as as it used to nor my memories and remembering, I don't have timings of things. So I forget complete conversations as in if we're talking about a person I just can't remember things - for example - who a friend's father is or if they've been in hospital or what for - so that that is a is quite a worrying thing."
"I've had every on every test under the sun... and they're still doing tests even now."
Julia added: "I used to like a glass of wine in the evening. I'm just not drinking any alcohol at the moment because that just makes me worse. I still get the odd headache and I don't seem to be able to control my own temperature.
Dr Oliver Dray, a 26-year-old doctor at Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said there are a growing number of younger people who are living with the long-term impact of contracting the virus:
“COVID-19 doesn't discriminate and we need to remember that younger people are not immune. It is not just about surviving, it’s what comes with surviving as well and the potential consequences of that. COVID-19 is a complex disease that can cause irreversible damage.
“We are now experiencing a positive drop in cases due to the vaccine and Government restrictions. I know that, for many of us, it can feel like the victory is done, but it is by no means done. Now is not the time to be complacent.
“I understand we are all frustrated and tired of restrictions, but we need to maintain guidelines and when it is your turn, get vaccinated. It is working and it is the only way we can protect each other and get through this together.”
Matt Ashton, the lead Director for Communications and Marketing in Cheshire & Merseyside, added: “Lockdown restrictions and the safety measures in place to help stop the spread of the virus have undoubtedly impacted the younger generations. Through our ‘Spread the Facts’ campaign, we are speaking directly to young people to let them know that we recognise the sacrifices they have made, and that they are instrumental in the next phase of fighting against the virus.
“Science shows us that, alongside wearing a mask, hand washing and social distancing, our successful vaccination programme is the best way to get back to doing the things we love, and as we begin to call the younger generations forward to receive their vaccine, we want to ensure they understand the real facts and reasons behind why it is so important.
“I am extremely grateful to the NHS workers who have come forward to share their stories and, of course, all those who continue to work tirelessly in the fight against COVID-19. We’re almost there, and we’re hoping this campaign helps to remind people of that.”
The ‘Spread the Facts’ campaign features young people working across the healthcare community in Cheshire. NHS workers, including young doctors, nurses and support workers, share their experiences of working throughout the pandemic.
The COVID-19 vaccine is now available to anyone aged 30 or over, or if their 30th birthday falls before 1st July. People across Staffordshire and Cheshire are also encouraged to take part in regular COVID-19 testing, and home testing kits can be ordered at: https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test.
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