Welcome to the latest installment of “Hirschhausen and the Long Shadow of Corona”, the report that’s been shadowing us all for far too long. I’m your host, and I’ll be guiding you through the twists and turns of this pandemic’s aftermath.
Let’s start with Martina, the physiotherapist who’s now confined to her bed due to chronic fatigue syndrome. Ah, the joys of ME/CFS – a condition that’s as mysterious as it is debilitating. It’s like the medical equivalent of a bad relationship: you’re not sure what’s going on, but you know it’s not good.
Now, I’m no doctor, but I do know that 250,000 people in Germany suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome is a big deal. And yet, it seems like they’re being left to their own devices. Or, rather, left to their own beds. I mean, what’s the protocol here? Do we just send them a get-well card and a bouquet of flowers? “Sorry, Martina, but you’re on your own with this one. Maybe try some essential oils and a face mask?”
But seriously, folks, it’s shocking that these patients are not receiving the help they need. I mean, what’s the point of having a healthcare system if it’s just going to leave people hanging? It’s like buying a car without wheels – what’s the point of even having it?
Now, I know some of you might be thinking, “But what about the ‘blood wash’ therapy? Isn’t that the magic solution we’ve all been waiting for?” Ah, yes, the “blood wash”. Because what could possibly go wrong with washing your blood? It’s not like it’s a bodily fluid or anything. And yet, it seems like some experts are calling it “nonsense”. Nonsense? That’s a bit harsh, don’t you think? I mean, it’s not like it’s a cure-all or anything. Oh wait, it’s not.
And then there’s Luis, the young man who’s suffering from a painful heart condition. Is it Long Covid or is it vaccine damage? Who knows? It’s like trying to solve a medical whodunit. But one thing’s for sure – it’s not fun. I mean, who wants to have a heart attack every day? That’s like having a constant companion that’s just waiting to ruin your day. “Hey, Luis, what’s up?” “Oh, just having a heart attack. You know, the usual.”
But in all seriousness, it’s clear that the pandemic is still casting a long shadow. And it’s not just the physical effects that are a concern – it’s the mental health implications too. I mean, who wouldn’t be anxious or depressed after living through a global pandemic? It’s like being trapped in a never-ending nightmare. “Wake up, wake up, it’s just a bad dream!” No, it’s not. It’s real life.
So, what’s the solution? Well, according to Dr. Tobias Renner, we should avoid closing schools and kindergartens at all costs. Because, let’s face it, kids need to party and go through puberty. It’s like a rite of passage. “Hey, kiddo, go out there and catch some Covid. It’s good for you!” Just kidding. But seriously, it’s clear that we need to find a better way to deal with this pandemic.
And that’s where Eckart von Hirschhausen comes in – the doctor who’s been documenting the pandemic’s effects for years. He’s like the pandemic’s own personal biographer. And in this report, he’s asking all the right questions. “Do we need to reassess the benefits and risks of the corona vaccination?” Ah, finally, someone who’s willing to challenge the status quo.
So, there you have it – “Hirschhausen and the Long Shadow of Corona”. It’s a report that’s as thought-provoking as it is uncomfortable. But hey, that’s what makes it so good. It’s like a mirror held up to our own vulnerabilities. And let’s face it, we could all use a little reflection these days.
Thanks for joining me on this journey through the pandemic’s aftermath. And remember – if you’re feeling anxious or depressed, just take a deep breath and put on some essential oils. Or, you know, talk to a professional. They’re probably more qualified than I am.
26.11.2024 09:00
epd During a recent episode of his documentary series, Doctor Eckart von Hirschhausen reunited with Martina, a physiotherapist who continues to suffer from ME/CFS, a severe and chronic form of Long Covid that has left her largely bedridden. Three years ago, von Hirschhausen shed light on Martina’s plight in his report “Corona Without End.” Now, he revisits her story, drawing attention to the estimated 250,000 individuals in Germany who are struggling with chronic fatigue syndrome and related illnesses, many of whom remain without access to adequate support or recognition.
The lack of official recognition for Martina’s occupational disability serves as a compelling example of the systemic shortcomings that von Hirschhausen’s report seeks to address. Furthermore, the scarcity of research funding for these conditions is cited by a medical expert as a contributing factor to the lack of progress in this area. This finding only scratches the surface, and viewers can expect a deeper exploration of this topic in upcoming episodes.
A therapy previously discussed in an earlier Corona report by von Hirschhausen, known as “blood wash,” is once again highlighted, sparking hope for those affected. However, this treatment has been met with criticism, including accusations of being unfounded and potentially detrimental. In light of these criticisms, von Hirschhausen addresses the concerns but declines to include a rebuttal from the critics themselves. He also notes that Diana, a patient he features in the report, is shouldering the cost of the treatment personally, though the exact expense is not disclosed.
Notwithstanding prior criticism, von Hirschhausen’s report remains pertinent. In past episodes, he explicitly advocated for the benefits of Corona vaccination, even going so far as to test the vaccine on himself in “Hirschhausen as a vaccination test subject” (2021). Although he has not wavered from this stance, the latest report hints at an expanding perspective: “Do we need to reassess the benefits and risks (of the Corona vaccination) from today’s point of view?” he posed in his report “What’s left of Corona” (criticism in epd 25/23).
In “The Long Shadow of Corona,” von Hirschhausen tells the story of Luis, who grapples with intense heart palpitations on a daily basis, capturing his struggles on camera in a heart-wrenching display. The question of whether Luis’ condition might be linked to Corona vaccination damage sparks a fierce debate over scientific interpretation. A document from the pension office suggests that Luis’ tachycardia is a symptom of Long-Covid, contradicting the notion of vaccination damage. Von Hirschhausen steps in to support Luis, pointing out that heart palpitations are listed among the known side effects of Covid vaccinations.
In a recent interview, von Hirschhausen acknowledged, “It was wrong to promise a vaccination that was completely free of side effects. Everything that works has side effects.” He now focuses on the 0.02% of vaccinated individuals who experience these side effects, sharing the story of cabaret artist Christine Prayon, who battled severe symptoms following a Covid vaccination. Notably, when von Hirschhausen attended a solidarity event for vaccination-injured individuals in Prenzlauer Berg, initiated by Prayon, he was met with less than a warm reception.
Doctor von Hirschhausen’s film also explores other pandemic-related side effects. Karl, an 18-year-old, recounts how the second lockdown significantly exacerbated his eating disorders, panic attacks, and anxiety, compelling issues that many young people have faced since “missing out on partying and puberty.” On camera, Karl shares the depths of his despair, confessing he was driven to the brink of taking drastic measures.
Tobias Renner, medical director of child and adolescent psychiatry at Tübingen University Hospital, offered expert insight, underscoring the importance of proactive measures to avoid lockdowns and closures of educational institutions in the future. Although the report does not explicitly align itself with this viewpoint, it delivers a thoughtful exploration of pandemic measures and their consequences. The overarching message is clear: the pandemic is far from over, and reappraisal is only the beginning.
infobox: “Hirschhausen and the long shadow of Corona,” a report presented by Eckart von Hirschhausen, directed and written by Kristin Siebert, with camera work by Jonny Müller-Goldenstedt, Tom Bergsteiner, Patrick Brandt, and others, was produced by Bilderfest (ARD/WDR, November 18th, 2024, 9 p.m.). The program is also available in the ARD media library since November 16th.
Article first published November 26, 2024, 10:00 am.
Keywords: media, television, criticism, reportage, Hirschhausen, Riepe, Siebert
