Long COVID and Digestive Symptoms: What the Research Tells Us
Research summary exploring digestive manifestations of Long COVID, including gut microbiome changes, IBS risk and potential treatment approaches.
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In September 2025, SHH-UK wrote to Ashley Dalton MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Public Health and Prevention, urging the Government to put prevention at the heart of the Long Covid response. We highlighted the scale of ongoing illness, the workforce impact, and the economic costs, and set out practical, evidence-based steps to reduce reinfections and protect staff and patients.
Why it matters
- Long Covid affects millions across England and Scotland, with symptoms that can persist for months or years – reducing quality of life and ability to work.
- ONS/IFS analyses indicate a significant contribution to workforce inactivity and £1.5–£2.0 bn in lost earnings annually.
What we asked the Minister to do
| Sustain research and surveillance to track prevalence and outcomes. |
| Recognise Long Covid as a public-health prevention priority within national strategies. |
| Reduce reinfection risks via ventilation and HEPA filtration in healthcare, education and other high-risk settings. |
| Guarantee access to effective PPE (FFP2/3) for healthcare and other public-facing workers. |
| Expand multidisciplinary Long Covid services and rehabilitation pathways. |
| Strengthen occupational protections for frontline/high-risk workers. |
Read the full email from SHH-UK below.
Ashley Dalton’s reply can be read here.
Claire Robles says:
Struggling with LC since July 2023, can barely work. Have no quality of life.
Alison Twycross says:
So sorry to hear this