Concerns long Covid could add extra pressure of other health services in Suffolk
A Suffolk MP says more needs to be known about long Covid to help support sufferers
MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, Dr Dan Poulter, is calling for more research to understand what long Covid means.
He was one of three MPs to put the topic forward for debate in Parliament this week, and said it is clear it's having a long-term impact on people's health but they need to know how big of a problem it is.
It's estimated that one in 10 or 20 people are suffering with the long-term effects of coronavirus, and knowing more about it will allow better support to be provided.
Dr Dan Poulter said: "At the moment it's about not just putting in place the NHS clinics for people with long Covid, it's also about helping gather the data to understand the condition better."
A number of the symptoms include: fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain or tightness, problems with memory or concentration, heart palpitations and dizziness.
There's concerns the symptoms could lead to additional pressure on other areas of the NHS, including mental health services.
Dr Poulter continued: "Some people will find they're going to be living with these long-term effects, not necessarily for many months, but possibly years. We recognise that will have a toll, not just on their physical health and wellbeing, but on their mental health too.
"If you can't do things that you're used to doing, that you like doing, that in itself can impact your mental wellbeing."
A specialised clinic for people dealing with long Covid is due to open at Ipswich Hospital in the future.