Brits given urgent long Covid warning as cases soar in UK

A warning has been issued as cases of long Covid continue to rise in the UK. Long Covid, otherwise known as post-Covid 19 syndrome, refers to symptoms that persist more than four to 12 weeks after initially contracting the virus.

The latest data shows that over two million people are living with long Covid in Britain. A health expert has described it as “the forgotten epidemic”, with Brits encouraged to take the Covid-19 booster vaccine this spring. Experts are also warning people of the symptoms of long Covid to ensure they can spot them as soon as possible.

As reported by the Mirror, a Covid-19 booster vaccine is available for high risk groups between April and June 2026. The NHS said the scheme is designed to protect the most vulnerable people, including those aged over 75, care home residents and those with weakened immune systems.

Mark Faghy, a professor of clinical exercise physiology at Loughborough University, said the main symptoms of long Covid include brain fog, breathlessness, and joint and muscle pain. Infection rates are continuing to rise as the Covid virus remains prevalent across the globe.

According to Professor Faghy, post-exertion malaise is another sign of long Covid. He explained: “For some, walking upstairs, having a shower or even the psychological drain of a conversation can trigger a relapse and the after-effects can last weeks.”

Meanwhile, Danny Altmann, a professor of immunology at Imperial College London, told the Daily Mail: “Long Covid is not a problem that has gone away, as some people like to think.”

Certain people are encouraged to take up the free NHS booster this spring. The following groups are qualified for the vaccine:

• Adults aged 75 years and over (by 30 June 2026)
• Residents in a care home for older adults
• People aged six months and over who have a weakened immune system

The NHS said: “COVID-19 is more serious in older people and in people with certain underlying health conditions. For these reasons, people aged 75 years and over, those in care homes, and those aged 6 months and over with a weakened immune system are being offered a spring dose of COVID-19 vaccine.”

The health service added: “You should be offered an appointment between April and June, with those at highest risk being called in first. You will be invited to have your booster around 6 months after your last dose, but you can have it as soon as 3 months.

“If you are turning 75 years of age between April and June, you do not have to wait until your birthday, you can attend when you are called for vaccination.”