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image captionLong Covid had two dozen common symptoms including fatigue, a cough and breathlessness
A new £760,000 fund has been announced which could help ease the constant battle of long Covid.
The condition, which is estimated to affect one in 10 people who test positive, has more than two dozen common symptoms and can last months.
The money will be spent strengthening support services for patients, helping take some of the strain from GPs.
Patients and campaigners say it is an important step towards a comprehensive national support service.
The charity Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland (CHSS) will contribute £300,000 of the joint funding with the Scottish government providing the rest.
Care for people with long Covid could be set to improve, after a funding package of £760,000 was announced. Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS), which is providing £300,000 of the funds, said the investment is a “vital first step” towards providing better all-round care for people suffering the debilitating long-term effects of the virus. Long Covid is a complex condition and sufferers experience a variety of symptoms ranging from breathlessness, chronic fatigue and anxiety to stress. It is estimated as many as 10% of people who have had the virus are now living with long Covid in Scotland. It has been described by some as the “pandemic behind the pandemic”.
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Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland, has launched a campaign calling for all political parties to work together to avoid a permanent state of crisis in the NHS.
At the beginning of lockdown, Mary Scott was really struggling with her mental health
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“I was linked up with Mary in August and I now call her every Wednesday. “Isolation and loneliness is so terrible for your mental health and I was really worried seeing what was happening with lockdown. I hated the thought of people being on their own or not being able to get out during the pandemic. I just wanted to do something to help.” Mrs Houston says they have developed a strong connection. She added: “I love chatting to Mary. We found out early on that we both had a passion for youth work and it’s great find out about her life and she asks me about mine. It’s so relaxed and informal. I really enjoy it.