PROOF 3

Life after Coronavirus (Covid-19)

for patients who were ill at home or on a general ward

You may feel much better now or you may feel like you are still recovering. Both are
perfectly normal.

This leaflet provides simple information about dealing with the common problems some
people have after an illness like Coronavirus (Covid-19). Not everyone will have these
problems, everyone is different. Please speak to your GP if you have any worries or
concerns.

We have already learned a lot about recovery after COVIDd-19 and are learning more all
the time. We know that the vast majority of people recover well. We also now know that
some people go on to experience what is now called Post-COVID Syndrome (Long-COVID
or PASC, which stands for Post-Acute Sequelae SARS-CoV-2 infection). Some people
have periods where they feel they have recovered and then other times when they ‘relapse’
and feel unwell again. If you think you might have Post-COVID Syndrome (Long-COVD), or
have any other concerns about your recovery from COVID-19, please speak to your GP.

There is a separate leaflet for patients cared for in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or
High Dependency Unit (HDU). If you need a copy of this publication, please visit the Trust
website or ask the ward staff for a copy.

Things that may help if you feel fatigued

Fatigue is normal when you are recovering from a viral infection like Covid-19. This term is
used to describe a complete lack of energy and motivation. Some things that may help:
 Rest. When you are tired or fatigued you need to rest. Allow yourself to rest when you
need to, as this will help your body recover.
 Be kind to yourself. Fatigue is real. Tell people around you how it is impacting you. As
it cannot be seen, sometimes people do not understand it properly.
 Stay active. Staying active can help your energy levels. When you are able to do a
stable amount of activity, try to increase it gently in small steps. You can do this in lots
of different ways, e.g. walking in the house more, or standing during the adverts.
 Small steps. Little and often is a good rule to follow. You could set yourself small mini
goals each day, like spending 10 minutes reading a book or speaking to a friend.
If you work, it may be helpful to talk to your manager about how and when to go back.
Some people find a ‘phased return’ (doing less hours than normal) or ‘light duties’ (doing
less difficult or stressful tasks) can help people make a successful return to work. Speak to
your GP if your fatigue gets worse, is not better after 3 months, or you are worried or have
other new symptoms.
Things that may help if you feel anxious and worried
It’s perfectly normal to feel anxious and worried after having Covid-19. Anxiety is the body’s
built-in safety system. Sometimes when we have been through something difficult we get
anxious more often. Anxiety levels often get better with time. Some things that may help:
 Talk to someone you trust. It can help to share what’s on your mind with someone,
maybe a family member or a friend. You could also talk to a mental health professional.
 Pause. Take a moment and stop. This can give your body time to calm down.
 Grounding. This is a good technique for when you are stressed. Practice noticing
5 things you can hear, see, taste, smell and touch.
 Practice relaxation. Spend time doing things that you find relaxing, like listening to
music, watching a favourite TV show or doing a hobby.

Things that may help if you have nightmares and memories

It is common to have nightmares and memories - they are the brain’s way of trying to make
sense of what happened. It is normal and common, but can feel very real and scary. You
might be upset about things you saw or heard and this is perfectly understandable. Some
things that may help:
 Talk to someone you trust.
 Speak to your GP if the nightmares and memories do not get better in
4-6 weeks. There are many things they can suggest which may help.

Things that may help if you feel low in mood and frustrated
Many people report feeling snappy, having mood swings, or feeling teary when they are
getting better from an illness like Coronavirus (Covid-19). Some things that may help:
 Develop a new routine for yourself, as you recover
 Set yourself small goals each day
 Do the things you can do now, that you enjoy
 Stay connected and talk to people you trust about how you are feeling
 Write a diary about how you are feeling
 Eat well and try not to drink too much alcohol
If you do not feel your mood is improving, or if it is getting worse, speak to your GP.

Things that may help if you have memory or concentration problems

Some people who have had Covid-19 experience mild memory and concentration
problems for a short while. Most people will recover with no long term impact on their
memory and concentration. Some things that may help:
 Talk to family and friends about the problems you are having.
 Write down appointments and other plans in a diary or calendar.
 Put reminders in places you look frequently, e.g. kitchen cupboard, fridge or mirror.
 Do things at a time of day when you have most energy.
 Do one thing at a time and reduce distractions.
If your memory and concentration problems carry on, speak to your GP or another health
professional.
Help for other symptoms you may notice as you recover from Covid-19
There are a number of other ways in which you might not feel fully back to normal straight
away. You might notice you have breathlessness, a cough or changes in your taste and
smell. You may also have other symptoms after Covid-19, which are quite common.

For more information about how to help with these symptoms and many others, visit the
NHS ‘Your covid recovery’ website, where you can find lots of up to date information:

www.yourcovidrecovery.nhs.uk

The University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust also has helpful
information on its website:

www.uhdb.nhs.uk/coronavirus-supporting-your-recovery/

Acknowledgement
This publication has been produced in collaboration with clinical psychology staff within
Derbyshire Healthcare Trust

References
The British Psychological Society, ‘Meeting the psychological needs of people recovering from severe
Coronavirus (Covid-19)’
www.bps.org.uk/sites/www.bps.org.uk/files/Policy/Policy%20-
%20Files/Meeting%20the%20psychological%20needs%20of%20people%20recovering%20from%20severe
%20coronavirus.pdf

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, ‘Life after Discharge from Intensive Care’
www.ouh.nhs.uk/patient-guide/leaflets/files/13972Plife.pdf.
Support details
For medical help and advice
NHS 111 Emergency and life-threatening situations
 111  999
 www.nhs.uk Attend your nearest Accident and Emergency Department
Your GP University of Derby and Burton Hospitals
Contact as usual NHS Foundation Trust website
 www.uhdb.nhs.uk/coronavirus-supporting-your-recovery

For help with your mental health

Derbyshire Tips on looking after your emotional health:
Derbyshire County Council ‘Coronavirus pages’
 https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/social-health/health-and-wellbeing/health-
protection/disease-control/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19.aspx
Derbyshire Mental Health Support line (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
 0800 028 0077 https://www.derbyshirehealthcareft.nhs.uk/getting-
help/coronavirus-covid-19/mental-health-support-line
Joined up Care Derbyshire
www.joinedupcarederbyshire.co.uk/covid-19-information-and-advice
Staffordshire North Staffordshire Wellbeing service
 01782 711651
Tamworth Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Wellbeing service
 0300 777 1207 info@supportstaffordshire.org.uk
Litchfield
National NHS Every Mind Matters:  www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters
Samaritans
 116 123 (24-hour free support service)
 www.samaritans.org
Northumberland, Tyne & Wear NHS Trust leaflets:  www.ntw.nhs.uk
MOODJUICE self-help resources:  www.moodjuice.scot.nhs.uk

Additional help and support

Derbyshire ‘Call Derbyshire’ service:  01629 533190
Derbyshire County Council (DCC)
www.derbyshire.gov.uk/social-health/health-and-wellbeing/health-
protection/disease-control/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19.aspx
DCC Community Response Unit
 01629 535091 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-1pm)
Derby City Council:  www.derby.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid19/
Staffordshire East Staffordshire Council: www.eaststaffsbc.gov.uk/coronavirus
‘Support Staffordshire’ service: www.supportstaffordshire.org.uk
Staffordshire County Council
 0300 111 8050 (emergency COVID 19 line)
www.staffordshire.gov.uk/coronavirus/home.aspx
Litchfield Litchfield District Council: www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/coronavirus
Tamworth Tamworth Borough Council;
 www.tamworth.gov.uk/coronavirus-public-health-information
National Citizen’s Advice: www.citizensadvice.org.uk
P4115/2183/05.2021/VERSION3
© Copyright. Any external organisations and websites included here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Trust, nor does their inclusion constitute a recommendation.