Support services for people with ME are being extended to Long Covid sufferers in the Isle of Man.

Up to 200 people could develop Long Covid, according to modelling expert Ben Fairfax, who has applied the standard SEIR model (susceptible-exposed-infectious-recovered) to local Covid-19 cases.

He said clear public health messaging was required to reduce the risk of ill health.

Craig Morris, vice-president of ME Support Isle of Man, has been campaigning for a special unit for people with ME since 2014.

’It’s just now coming to fruition,’ Mr Morris said.

’It makes sense to offer the service to those suffering with Long Covid. Like ME, it’s a post-viral illness with many of the same symptoms, such as fatigue, malais, pain, dizziness, brain fog and heart palpitations.

’We are setting up a multi-disciplinary team. It’s been approved by the Department of Health and we’re waiting for funding to be approved by the Treasury. Getting it up and running is a priority. We have 350 people with ME in the Isle of Man, and now we have people with Long Covid.’

Public Health in Guernsey has carried out an online survey into Long Covid.

Mr Morris said: ’I would certainly encourage a survey here. I don’t think the data is being collected at the moment. It might help people with Long Covid to feel that they are being heard.

’Long Covid is being diagnosed but until the support is in place there’s little GPs can do. We’re looking forward to setting up the service. We are tapped into some amazing scientific brains in the UK who have offered help for free.’

Long Covid is diagnosed when symptoms persist for more than four weeks after the first infection that can’t be explained by something else.

Mr Morris said: ’The key message to get across is that there are measures that people with ME and Long Covid can take. Rest, don’t return to work too early, ask for help, delegate. People with Long Covid are desperate for information.’