Jessica caught Covid around Christmas 2021, and at the time only experienced a sore throat and cough, which she recovered from after 6 days. Jessica reported feeling better for a week before she began to feel tired and struggle to do anything. She continued to experience tiredness for the first three months after having Covid, which left her stuck in the house and struggling to complete university work.

Jessica’s Long Covid symptoms included fatigue and pain in her legs and joints which impacted her ability to walk upstairs and stand more than 15 minutes. She also experienced difficulty concentrating and tachycardia (increased heart rate). Despite her symptoms, Jessica attempted to go back to university after Christmas break but had to return home with her mother when her fatigue made it impossible for her to live by herself. Upon returning home, Jessica became dependent on her mum to help her. She feels her relationship with her mum changed due to this because her mum completely changed her life to care for her.

Jessica’s friendships have also been affected by her symptoms because, although her friends have been supportive, Jessica feels they’re “living the life I would be living” and don’t completely understand how her symptoms affect her. Jessica feels because she looks visibly well, they don’t understand how difficult it is for her and often compare her to someone else they know who has recovered from Long Covid. Jessica’s symptoms made it difficult for her to complete her university work, so she chose to have her degree title changed to allow her graduate without needing to continue studying.

Jessica has also received formal care for her symptoms. On an occasion when Jessica felt faint and experienced difficulties with her oxygen levels, she attended A&E for care. Jessica recalls them testing her lung and heart function and not finding anything wrong with her, but thought her symptoms were potentially Long Covid. When she contacted her GP about her symptoms, Jessica was told there was nothing they could do until the 12-week mark when they would be able to refer her to a Long Covid clinic. At 12 weeks, Jessica was referred and is thankful for the help she got from her GP who had the paperwork ready to be sent as soon as it turned 12 weeks. Since being referred to the clinic, Jessica has been referred to a psychologist, neuropsychologist, and occupational therapist. She has not been seen in person as the clinic is located in her university city and it is hard to get to from where she now lives.

Jessica feels her symptoms have improved and is now able to do basic tasks like cooking simple meals for herself. She still lives at home with her parents’ assistance. She became well enough to visit and stay with her boyfriend for a period of time; however, it was not a long-term adjustment.