The long-lasting symptoms can affect around one in seven people who test positive for coronavirus, and is known as long Covid.
A new survey from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) released today (1 September) shows that more than 400,000 people in the UK have had long Covid for over two years.
A total of two million people across the country are estimated to be suffering from long Covid, according to the survey.
Some 429,000 – the equivalent of around one in five (22%) – first had Covid-19, or suspected they had the virus, at least 24 months previously.
The number of people with long Covid who first had the virus at least one year ago is estimated to be 892,000, or 45% of the total.
The figures are based on self-reported long Covid from a representative sample of people in private households in the four weeks to 31 July.
Researchers are still learning about the long-lasting effects, but these are the most common symptoms of long Covid that have been reported so far.
13. Ongoing Covid symptoms
Additionally, the NHS says that long Covid symptoms can mirror those of the symptoms of Covid, such as a high temperature, a cough, headaches, sore throat and changes to sense of smell or taste. Photo: Shutterstock
14. Skin disorders
The NHS says that “many skin problems have been seen in people with Covid, but there are some that occur more frequently”, which includes: chilblain-like swellings on fingers and toes, sores or ulcers in the lips and mouth and an itchy widespread rash. Photo: Shutterstock
15. Brain fog
Memory issues or problems with concentration, known as "brain fog", is a common symptom of long Covid according to the NHS. Photo: Shutterstock
16. Diarrhea
Gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea have been reported as a symptom, with researchers at Stanford University finding that a third of patients they studied with Covid-19 had symptoms affecting the digestive system. Photo: Shutterstock