Dd17 still ill after 3 weeks?

[Moff2k]

Dd tested positive boxing day, she's still complaining of headache, fatigue and sore throat.
I have gently suggested she go back to college to rebuild her stamina but she says she gets breathless.
She hasn't left the house since Xmas.
What can I do ? Should I encourage her ? See a GP? Is this long covid or is she being a baby ?

She needs to see a GP if she’s feeling so breathless she can’t resume normal activities. She might need an inhaler or steroids.

Well shes not being a baby

Either she is medical still suffering in which case she needs to see a GP
Or
Mentally she is struggling to do with getting back into a routine or because she was more sick than she expected and is worried about picking covid up again. This also needs support.likely GP to reasure nothing wrong medically and support from family and the college to return. Possibly lighter timetable and build up to full time.

My dd had this she was sick for ages and the times she felt OK she went to school and was sent home twice ill. She was ok one minute sick the next. I rang the doctor and he said it sounds very much like long covid and 8 weeks on she's only just started to feel better, so yes I'd ring the doctor.

Of course she’s not being a baby.
I would suggest she speaks to a GP.

It's really normal not to feel well after a few weeks - What is really important is to NOT overdo it when recovering.... if you overstretch your body, it is more likely (it is suspected) to lead to Long Covid... rather like the development of ME/CFS.

So while encouraging her and seeing a GP, do ensure she gets plenty of the healing stuff - good sleep, good food, plenty of rest - alongside doing what she feels up to - which may be going to college 3 days a week, or for short days.

When I had Covid, it took me 9 weeks to get back to normal ... after 3 weeks, I had weeks when I felt almost normal, and others were I had to spend two or three days in bed and take things more gently.

I suspect your reassurance and support are what she most needs - it can be quite scarey not having your body and health back, especially as a teen

I'm surprised you haven't encouraged her to see GP before now.
She could have secondary infection.
@loveyouradvice is spot on about rest and gentle steps. A long period of bed rest can atrophy the muscles very quickly so she should try to do lots of gentle stretches and a light exercise little and often.

“She hasn’t left the house since Xmas.” Has she been for slow walks? I would really encourage fresh air, very gentle walking all wrapped up with a hot tea/hot chocolate. I would also take her to see the GP to check for secondary infection. Did she have 1 or 2 vaccines? Or is it novel for her?
My 6 year old had long Covid in 2020 and developed depression and anxiety from it and some OCD tendencies. It started with him just feeling very listless and unwell and fatigued for ages. In those days, there was no help available. He eventually got better but the mental impact is still there.