High Prevalence of Long Covid in Northern England

One in five patients at two GP surgeries in northern England have long Covid, highlighting regional disparities. The north-west has the highest rates at 5.5%, while southern regions report lower rates. Deprived areas have almost double the prevalence of long Covid compared to less deprived areas, with symptoms including extreme fatigue and brain fog.

A new report reveals that one in five patients at Parklands medical practice in Bradford and Margaret Thompson medical centre in Liverpool have long Covid, highlighting regional disparities in the UK.

The north-west of England reported 5.5% of people with long Covid symptoms, followed by the north-east and Yorkshire at 5.1%.

The southern regions, including the south-west and south-east, had lower rates at 3.4% and 3.6% respectively.

The national average was 4.4%. The study also found that the most deprived areas in England had a long Covid prevalence of 6.3%, nearly double that of the least deprived areas.

Long Covid symptoms such as extreme fatigue and brain fog persist beyond 12 weeks of infection.

Dr. Stephanie Scott from Newcastle University called for better treatments and support for those affected, while Hannah Davies of Health Equity North noted the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on northern regions.

NHS England has yet to comment on the findings.