RCGP, NICE and SIGN update long Covid guidance

Dr Gail Allsopp, RCGP lead for long Covid, said: “The prolonged health effects that some patients experience after contracting COVID-19 can have a terrible impact on their lives – and as GPs, we want to do everything we can to help them.

“This revised guidance on ‘long Covid’, updated jointly by the RCGP, NICE and SIGN, reflects the latest evidence and ongoing research into Post-Covid syndrome, which we must remember is still a relatively new condition that we are learning more about all the time. It includes additions to the most commonly reported symptoms, as well as reflecting the impact ‘long Covid’ can have on a patient’s overall quality of life, including the potential for increased risk of reduced performance and/or increased absence at school or work. Other new recommendations include encouraging patients to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 to reduce the risk of catching the virus again.

“This updated guidance should further equip GPs and other clinicians with the latest knowledge and evidence, to help quickly identify patients suffering with long Covid, and ensure the most appropriate care and support is delivered. The RCGP is also running free monthly educational sessions, to support GPs to keep up to date with any emerging evidence on ‘long Covid’.

“The College is continuing to call for better access to diagnostic tools in the community, so that GPs can rule out other serious conditions and ensure patients receive a timely diagnosis of long Covid, as well as further investment into rehabilitation services in the community, so that patients diagnosed with ‘long Covid’ can receive the specialist care and services they need.”

Further information

(For Media only)

RCGP Press office: 020 3188 7633/7574/7575
Out of hours: 0203 188 7659
press@rcgp.org.uk

Notes to editor

The Royal College of General Practitioners is a network of more than 52,000 family doctors working to improve care for patients. We work to encourage and maintain the highest standards of general medical practice and act as the voice of GPs on education, training, research and clinical standards.