A new study from the University of Birmingham estimates that Long Covid is costing the UK at least an additional £23 million annually in GP and primary care consultations.
The research, based on over 950,000 electronic healthcare records since the start of the pandemic, suggests that the extra appointments range from £23 million to £60 million per year. Long Covid, characterised by symptoms persisting for at least three months after the initial infection, includes issues like persistent coughs and brain fog.
Factors contributing to increased primary care costs include age, gender, ethnicity, obesity, and long-term health conditions. The study emphasises the need for a better understanding of Long Covid and its economic impact in future pandemic planning.