Residents to get help with long Covid symptoms

Councillors Gill Mercer and Helen Howell of North Northamptonshire Council at Lodge Park Sports Centre in Corby

People who are struggling with symptoms of long Covid can get help from a council-funded exercise scheme.

The 12-week long Covid recovery programme is open to resident from North Northamptonshire with sessions held at Lodge Park Sports Centre in Corby.

Anyone who is suffering from persistent symptoms caused by the virus can self-refer on to the programme or be referred by a medical professional.

The Office for National Statistics estimated that two million people in England and Scotland had long Covid between November 2023 to March 2024.

Residents in North Northamptonshire who are struggling with long Covid are being encouraged to sign up to a 12-week programme aimed to help them with their health and mental wellbeing

North Northamptonshire Council has funded the programme, which aims to help users manage and increase energy levels and reduce fatigue, which is often a symptom of the condition.

Other symptoms include feeling short of breath, problems with memory and concentration, or “brain fog”, dizziness, joint pain and muscle aches.

The council said the equipment used in the programme customises workouts to individual needs, "adapting as the user grows stronger".

It said the kit "adapts to users so that they do not overdo things and end up with the lowered immune systems that are associated with post-exertion in long Covid".

Jason Smithers, leader of the council, said: “It is so important that we support our residents living with this debilitating condition to live their best lives."

Conservative councillor Gill Mercer added the equipment at Lodge Park Sports Centre was ideal for inexperienced gym users.

The NHS suggests exercise can help with the symptoms of long Covid.

It suggests any exercise programme should "start small" and be "realistic".

The website also advises speaking to a GP before starting.

Update 10 October 2024: This article has been updated to include NHS advice that any exercise programme should start small and people should consult their doctor beforehand. A line had also been added to state that a lowered immune system is associated with post-exertion in long Covid, according to the council.