“I have to work hard to say I’m as sick as I am” – why Long Covid impacts more than just health

Although the World Health Organization’s chief is ‘confident’ the pandemic will be declared over this year according to reports, there are still a number of people who suffer from the repercussions of the illness, and are not receiving the help they need.

Photo by Joshua Hoehne on Unsplash

Sufferers like Ippokratis, who was infected with coronavirus over two years ago, are still living with the impacts the virus had, even now.

“It’s been two-point-five years since I got sick,” said Ippokratis, “typical symptoms… but the fatigue never really cleared.

“The fever broke, but the fatigue stayed with me, and so did the general feeling of feeling sick.”

Since developing the original virus, then suffering from ‘Long Covid’, Ippokratis’ whole life has changed.

Long Covid is defined by WHO as “a continuous development of symptoms” after the original infection, and these symptoms lasting “longer than two months without explanation.”

Since his symptoms never improved, Ippokratis was forced to make serious changes to his lifestyle, including giving up exercise, losing friends and even withdrawing from university.

He described his experiences pre-Covid as positive, saying he worked out often and was very fit and healthy, but since getting the illness, Ippokratis has withdrawn socially and can no longer do the workouts he was used to.

“You kind of lose touch with your friends,” he said, stating that it was a “universal experience” amongst people with Long Covid.

“Even with your good friends; I don’t know why.

“Because you’re not always available… I don’t think it’s with ill intent,” he added.

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Due to the impact his disability had on him, Ippokratis was forced to postpone his degree, and even two years later, he cannot pursue the thesis due to the effects.

“If you do get Long Covid during your studies, there’s basically no infrastructure to allow you to continue your studies.”

Ippokratis explained that “it’s not really the university’s fault” but because Long Covid manifests itself differently than other chronic illnesses, he said it was like he had “disappeared.”

“My professors’ were very, very understanding,” he said, “but even if I was able to go to university, I would risk reinfection, and I am I am really scared of that, I’ll be honest.”

Ippokratis attempted to pick up his thesis again after postponing due to his disability, but found that the adjustment was too challenging.

“In summer, I tried to pick up the thesis and I realised how difficult it is with the concentration.

“It’s not like I’m thinking other things, my mind just can’t process what I’m seeing.”

Ippokratis said that he hopes more people are made aware of the struggles that people face when they are diagnosed with Long Covid, after his world was turned upside down.

“It’s a very limiting disease… I have to work hard to tell people I’m as sick as I am.”

Photo by Isaac Quesada on Unsplash