Sandra Guerrero is one of the 2.06 million people diagnosed with persistent COVID in France. After contracting the virus on a trip to Guatemala in October 2020, she waited 14 months to receive a diagnosis. This 50-year-old patient describes the long process of visiting doctors until she obtained answers with a feeling of relief and concern. Sandra, who had no major health issues before the infection, now faces a 75% work disability due to the persistent fatigue she experiences.
According to Jacqueline H. Becker, some people with persistent COVID may improve over time, while others suffer from stable deficiencies or deteriorate. The work of organizations like RECOVER in the U.S. is crucial to understanding and addressing this new condition, especially in countries with high infection rates. Persistent COVID affects women, Black populations, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions more significantly.
The case of Eliana Souza do Nascimento in Manaus, Brazil, reflects one of the most extreme scenarios. This 64-year-old woman, with 80% of her lungs damaged, relies completely on her husband for daily activities due to the pulmonary fibrosis caused by the virus. The symptoms of persistent COVID range from brain fog, breathing difficulties, dizziness, muscle and joint pain, to extreme exhaustion that makes work or any effort impossible.
The lack of a specific treatment for persistent COVID poses a challenge for patients, who often face high medical costs. Specialized care and integration with primary care are key to providing support for those suffering from this condition. Although some governments are beginning to recognize persistent COVID as a disability, much remains to be done to raise awareness about this new reality and ensure access to appropriate treatments.
