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While the acute phases of the COVID-19 pandemic are over, the struggle is not finished for many affected individuals. Long COVID encompasses a range of persistent health issues in people who have had a COVID-19 infection, regardless of the severity of the illness. Let's take a look at what it's all about.

Persistent Symptoms and Everyday Impairments

In many countries around the world, many people are still struggling with the effects of Long COVID. Even two years after the initial infection, patients still report a variety of symptoms. The most common include persistent fatigue, cognitive impairments, sensory-motor issues, and breathing difficulties. These lasting symptoms not only affect the physical health of those affected but also their quality of life, making it challenging to engage in their normal activities.

Studies have shown that over 40 percent of individuals hospitalized due to COVID-19 continue to exhibit symptoms even after being discharged. While some improvements have been observed over time, many individuals still suffer from lasting physical and mental limitations. Cognitive impairments such as memory and concentration difficulties, sensory disturbances, and chronic fatigue are common issues that significantly impact daily life.

What is particularly concerning about Long COVID is that some patients who initially seemed to have recovered from COVID-19 had to be readmitted to the hospital later. This could be attributed to complications such as cardiovascular issues, metabolic disorders, reinfections with the virus, respiratory problems, or urinary tract diseases.

Long-COVID Can Affect Anyone

While we can be relieved that the acute phases of the COVID-19 pandemic are behind us, we should not convey this perspective lightly, as it can feel like a slap in the face to those who are still struggling. Some of us may have only experienced mild symptoms or were unaffected altogether, but this should not lead us to underestimate the seriousness of the situation for others. Countless people worldwide are still suffering from the aftereffects of COVID-19.

Moreover, those of us who have been spared from Long COVID should not underestimate the overall situation. The disease is still present and will continue to resurface seasonally. The possibility of contracting it and potentially developing Long COVID symptoms remains. The best prevention we have is vaccination.

By now, most of us are likely already vaccinated—undoubtedly one of the most important measures. It would now be beneficial to strengthen our immune systems with a booster shot. The fact that vaccines are continually adjusted to new virus variants or subvariants gives us the opportunity to minimize the risk of severe illness and Long COVID. Therefore, it is advisable to refresh our vaccination status in the fall, ideally in conjunction with the annual flu shot. There is no better way to strengthen and maintain a resilient immune system.

Closing Words

For myself and likely many of you, the topic of COVID-19 has already lost some relevance. However, we must keep in mind those who are still grappling with the long-term effects of their COVID-19 infection. Moreover, those who have thus far been spared from the disease continue to face the risk of contracting it and developing Long-COVID symptoms.

Vaccination, combined with maintaining distance and precautions during cold season, are effective preventive measures that are easy to implement. As we turn to everyday life, we should remain in solidarity and continue to consider each other.