Providing optimal nutritional care to patients with long-COVID

Long-COVID has emerged as a relatively common condition with symptoms that vary considerably in intensity and type. People with long-COVID experience signs and symptoms that develop during or after an infection consistent with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), continue for more than four weeks and are not explained by an alternative diagnosis. It has been estimated that up to one in seven patients who have COVID-19 will have long-COVID. Long-COVID can affect people’s nutritional status, while optimal nutrition is essential for their recovery. The authors of this article have developed an evidence-based knowledge hub around nutrition and recovery from COVID-19 that offers reliable and up-to-date information to patients and professionals. This article explains the relationship between nutrition and COVID-19 and how primary care and community nurses can identify, assess, advise, monitor and/or refer patients as needed.