A covid recovery app has been launched today (20 January) as part of wider support on offer for people experiencing the longer term effects of coronavirus.
The bilingual,
first of its kind, app has been developed by the NHS Wales respiratory health
group on behalf of the Welsh Government and has been designed to offer people a
bespoke tool and personal coach to help them on their road to recovery
With more than 100
videos and links to advice, app users will be able to record their symptoms,
track their progress and learn to manage their condition at home with support.
It includes advice from therapists, psychologists, dietitians and consultants.
The app is part of
a wider national approach to support people with post-covid syndrome which
includes supporting health professionals to recognise the symptoms, signposting
people to support and providing a clear pathway for people as they go through
the healthcare system.
Post-Covid-19
syndrome, also known as long covid, has been defined as signs and symptoms that
develop during or after an infection consistent with coronavirus that continue
for more than 12 weeks and are not explained by an alternative diagnosis.
It is anticipated that
people are able to access the majority of the support they need close to
home, and people should only have to travel for more specialised services
which have to be provided in an acute hospital setting.
Health
minister Vaughan Gething said: “We
are still learning about the virus but it is estimated that around that around
1 in 10 people who have had coronavirus suffer some long term symptoms. The
launch of this app, which is the first of its kind, is to reassure those people
that there is support available to them and that they are not alone.
“This app is part
of a wider national approach which has been put into place to recognise those
people who months later are still feeling a range of cardiac, neurological and
psychological issues.
“Anyone can
download the app but we’re also asking health professionals to recommend it to
their patients so that their care can continue at home long after their
appointment ends.
“GPs are still
best placed to signpost their patients to appropriate support, carry out
testing to look for any treatable symptoms and refer patients to specialist
consultants if necessary, this will of course mean that support is still
available for anyone without a smart phone.”
* Always call 999 if you experience any life threatening symptoms or contact the 111 online coronavirus service or your GP if you feel your symptoms aren’t improving or you need further advice.
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