Recovering from Covid-19
Covid-19 can affect people in a number of different ways, and everyone’s experience of having Covid-19 varies. The disease can have an impact on both mental and physical health so it’s important to look after your general health and wellbeing to give yourself the best chance of recovery.
You may find that you need additional support while you recover from Covid-19. The NHS has developed a dedicated Covid-19 recovery website. and you may also find the following resources helpful:
- Hospital Stays – If you’ve been on an Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU) in Gloucestershire, this website has details about local support groups which may be able to help following a hospital stay https://www.gloshospitalsicu.org/
- Breathing – The British Lung Foundation has some helpful tips and practical exercises for breathlessness. Information on breathing pattern disorders by a group called Physiotherapy for Breathing Pattern Disorders can be found here. Asthma UK and the British Lung Foundation offer support to people with breathing difficulties after COVID‑19, as well as their family members and carers.
- If you’re still feeling breathless then try some online singing. Originally prescribed for people with lung disease, this friendly and fun Gloucestershire programme has now been opened up to anybody with a breathing issues – including people recovering from Covid-19.
- Energy Levels – The Royal College of Occupational Therapists shares practical advice about energy levels. You might find using this action planner helps you cope with daily activities.
- Wellbeing – The Gloucestershire County Council ‘Your Circle’ website provides useful local contacts as well as information on local community groups that might be able to offer support, as well as information for carers and their wellbeing. You can find general information and help about coping with Covid-19 on the site too. If you’re over 16 and you live in the Cheltenham and Tewkesbury area you can access the Community Wellbeing Service.
- Gloucestershire Dieticians have produced nutritional support and advice including recipes, to aid recovery.
- Activity Groups – Gloucestershire Voluntary and Community Sector website also has a find a group section which includes things like arts and activities, physical activity and to how to volunteer.
- Physical Activity – For more ideas on how to get or stay active visit www.wecanmove.net/get-active
- Carers – If you’re a carer and you need support, contact the Carers Hub.
If you still have symptoms after four weeks and are unsure whether to seek help, please visit this section of the Your Covid-19 Recovery website. You can find help here if your recovery from Covid-19 has affected your mental health. The Let’s Talk Service also provides mental health support
