Many people are suffering from Long Covid after the pandemic, but many are misdiagnosed or not getting the help they need. When people mention “Covid fatigue,” they often mean they are tired of hearing about Covid, not the serious symptoms of Long Covid, which can include extreme tiredness.
Marc Daalder, a senior political reporter, explains that the pandemic is still a major issue, with many deaths caused by Covid last year. Despite this, society seems eager to forget about Covid and its effects.
In a new report on Long Covid in New Zealand, Daalder interviews four people affected by the condition, highlighting the failures of the health system to diagnose and treat them effectively. One interviewee, former councillor Renee, shares her struggle as she can no longer walk and spends most of her time sleeping. She feels neglected by the authorities and believes many are still suffering, but the government shows little concern or support.
Daalder acknowledges that while some people experience temporary symptoms after Covid and recover, others live with more severe and long-lasting issues. Lack of research funding makes studying Long Covid difficult. The report about Long Covid mostly captures self-reported cases, so many sufferers may be missing from the data.
Additionally, women report Long Covid more often, yet their health complaints are often dismissed by doctors, making it harder for them to get help.
There is no specific treatment for Long Covid, but some symptoms can be managed with therapies like physiotherapy. This not only helps with physical problems but also gives patients a sense of being recognized and treated by the health system.
Daalder emphasizes the importance of acknowledging Long Covid and providing support to those affected, rather than ignoring the problem.
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