The world has seen many challenges in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, but one of the most insidious and ongoing issues is Long Covid. Despite the pandemic beginning in early 2020, millions are still suffering from debilitating symptoms, and the reality of living with Long Covid has largely been forgotten by politicians, many of whom seem to act as though the pandemic never happened. This phenomenon, where patients experience symptoms long after their initial infection, has left millions grappling not just with health challenges, but also with a deep sense of neglect.
Rowan Brown, a mother and secondary-school art teacher from Oxfordshire, experienced the onset of Covid-19 in March 2020. What initially felt like a mild flu soon transformed into a host of debilitating symptoms that left her bed-bound for over a year. Despite her initial determination to “power through” the illness, Brown’s health deteriorated further. The virus wreaked havoc on her body, from causing joint pain to making it impossible for her to breathe. She lost her muscle memory and struggled to even hold a pencil, let alone teach. The loss of her identity—her job, her creativity, her fitness, and even her connection with her family—was the hardest part of the illness.
Brown’s experience was not an isolated one. In the UK alone, around 2 million people are estimated to suffer from Long Covid. Worldwide, the number is staggering, with estimates suggesting that 400 million individuals are affected. Yet, Long Covid remains a deeply misunderstood and under-researched condition. Doctors still don’t fully understand what causes it, with theories ranging from lingering virus particles in the body to immune system malfunctions. There is no definitive test to diagnose Long Covid, making it difficult for patients to get proper care. The condition manifests in over 200 symptoms, including muscle pain, fatigue, cognitive impairment, and neurological problems. Even more alarming is that 59% of patients show signs of organ damage.
Kathryn Bromwich, who also suffered from Long Covid, shares how the condition transformed her life. She struggled with basic tasks, from cooking meals to taking a walk, and the symptoms were often unpredictable. Symptoms would flare up with simple activities, and like many others, she found solace in rest and certain therapeutic exercises. While her condition did improve over time, she remains haunted by the fact that no clear answers are available for the cause or long-term prognosis of Long Covid.
A major challenge facing Long Covid patients is the lack of support. Many people experiencing Long Covid were previously healthy, active individuals, and the sudden onset of debilitating symptoms has caused not only physical suffering but also psychological trauma. Dr. Ben Sinclair, a GP who runs a private clinic for Long Covid patients, explains that many of his patients were previously “fit and successful,” only to see their lives turn upside down due to the illness. This has had far-reaching implications for both the individuals and society. Patients, particularly those in the workforce, are being lost to the economy, and their contributions to society are curtailed.
Long Covid has also affected children, a group that was previously believed to be largely immune to severe symptoms. Young patients like Avalyn Godfrey, a 15-year-old from Cheshire, have had to navigate the challenges of living with the condition. Avalyn was only 12 when she contracted Covid-19 during a family holiday, and while her initial recovery seemed normal, she quickly started experiencing debilitating fatigue and other symptoms. Despite numerous tests, doctors couldn’t provide a diagnosis, and it took a year and a half for Avalyn to receive the correct diagnosis of Long Covid. The condition has kept her from attending school regularly and has changed the course of her life in significant ways.
The impact of Long Covid has been especially acute for healthcare workers. The frontline workers who risked their lives during the pandemic have become some of the hardest-hit individuals. Many doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals who worked with high viral loads during the pandemic have since developed Long Covid, leaving them unable to continue their work. Some have had to retire early, while others are fighting for compensation for the illness they contracted while serving others.
One such worker, Sarah Matthews, a pediatric nurse from Bristol, found herself debilitated by Long Covid after contracting the virus in 2021. Despite initially thinking the illness would pass, Matthews found herself unable to regain her strength, and two years later, she was still unable to return to her job. The reality of healthcare workers suffering from Long Covid has highlighted the need for compensation and recognition, especially in cases where workers contracted the illness in the course of their duty. This has led to calls for Long Covid to be officially recognized as an occupational disease, ensuring that workers are given the benefits and compensation they deserve.
The suffering caused by Long Covid is still ongoing, and as more people continue to live with the condition, the need for recognition and support becomes more urgent. Politicians and health officials must take action to address the needs of these patients and acknowledge the long-term impact of the pandemic. The lack of understanding about Long Covid and its effects has left many patients feeling abandoned, and the struggle for recognition is far from over. As Rowan Brown aptly puts it, Long Covid patients are often seen as “forgotten” by society, as the world moves on while their lives remain in limbo.
The road to recovery is long, and for many, it feels like they are losing years of their life to an illness that doesn’t have a clear end. But despite the ongoing challenges, those living with Long Covid continue to push for understanding, treatment, and recognition. The experiences of patients like Rowan Brown, Kathryn Bromwich, and Sarah Matthews serve as a stark reminder that the effects of this pandemic are far from over and that millions of people around the world still need help.
