First Czech centre for Covid long haulers

This week, the University Hospital Hradec Králové opened its Post-Covid Care Centre for treating long-Covid patients.

Around one in ten Covid-19 patients experience symptoms lasting more than three months - says the UK's Office for National Statistics. The Czech Republic now has a specialized facility to care for long-Covid sufferers.

In addition to pneumologists, cardiologists, neurologists, psychiatrists, nephrologists, dermatologists, gastroenterologists, rheumatologists and physiotherapists will also take part in the centre's operation.

Patients interested in treatment should first undergo a basic examination by a general practitioner or a specialist, who will assess the possible connection with their persistent symptoms and the Covid-19 disease. They will then be referred to the Post-Covid Care Centre.

At the Centre, patients will complete a questionnaire which will include questions on various Covid-19 symptoms - such as shortness of breath, pain, indigestion, insomnia, fatigue, loss of smell or taste. All patients will also undergo blood, urine and lung function tests, ECG examinations and overall health assessment.