There have been a lot of questions about the BA.2.86 COVID variant, as people would like to know how it compares to other variants and what the implications might be for public health. It is important to note that to date only a small number of cases have been identified across the world, and we will need more data to draw any conclusions about the effect of these mutations on transmissibility and severity of the variant.

In this blog post the UK Health Security Agency outlines what they know so far and what action they are taking. 

Read the article here>>

General NHS advice about COVID-19, including symptoms, testing, and staying at home can be found on the NHS website by following this link:>>

Have you had ongoing symptoms of COVID-19 for 12 weeks or more? 

Our colleagues in the PCS Service provide specialist support for people who have ongoing symptoms of COVID-19 for 12 weeks or more, known as Post-COVID Syndrome (PCS).  Often referred to as “Long COVID" the most common symptoms include:

• fatigue
• breathlessness
• headaches
• brain ‘fog’
• pain in the joints or chest.

If you have had symptoms of COVID-19 for 12 weeks or more since your first diagnosis, please contact us. 

We can carry out a series of tests to rule out other causes for your symptoms and, if appropriate, refer you to the PCS Service for specialist support and guidance. 

Follow this link for more information about the PCS Service can be found on the NHS Dorset HealthCare University website:>>

Or download a copy of the PCS Service Patient Information leaflet here:>>