York joins largest Long Covid trial to date
The £6.8 million study could see treatments for physical and mental health integrated
Last updated 21st Jul 2021
Researchers at the University of York have joined the largest trial looking at integrating Long Covid care to date.
The £6.8 million pound study will explore new ways of treating the condition, that could help sufferers avoid endless appointments.
Improved patient care could include rolling physical and mental health appointments into one, and will inform medium and long-term policies for dealing with Long Covid.
Professor Christina van der Feltz-Cornelis from the Department of Health and Sciences at the Hull York Medical School said it's "exactly what Long Covid patients need".
"Not a lot is known about the condition yet," she added.
"So there is a lack of knowledge among patients and carers about how long it is going to last. That creates anxiety."
The study will also look at rehabilitation, by using different drugs to try to combat symptoms and help people with the most severe impacts return to work.
Daniel Mawer is from Yorkshire, and has been living with coronavirus symptoms since he tested positive in October 2019.
He believes the virus even led to a thyroid problem that has stopped him exercising as he used to.
Daniel said: "I've developed some really odd symptoms, including itching and rashes. I think everyone's aware that exercise is good for your mental health, but it's not much fun if you have to stop and keep scratching.
He's also admitted that the condition has impacted on his mental health, saying he has to be wary when he's working, because of fatigue.
"Anything that I work on now, I have to mindful about how much I can give it without needing stops" Daniel said. "It's frustrating."