Findings from the Office for National Statistics found that 168,000 people had long COVID as of March 2024.

Long Covid can be a debilitating condition that causes fatigue, brain fog and breathing problems.

Prevalence was highest among those aged 50 to 69, those living in the most deprived areas, and those whose daily activity is limited by pre-existing health conditions.

The study found that long Covid cases were disproportionately common among people who were age 50-69, whose daily activity was limited by pre-existing health conditions, and who were living in the most deprived areas.

Of those who were in hospital when their symptoms began, the most common symptoms reported were weakness or tiredness (78%), 57% had difficulty concentrating, and 54% were struggling with muscle aches.

The study also found that of those in Scotland with self-reported long Covid, around two-thirds had the virus at least one year previously, and one-third at least two years previously.