Half of a group of almost eight thousand people who contracted corona in early 2021 have not recovered or have only recovered slightly. A quarter have recovered completely. This is evident from a study by the Erasmus Medical Center (MC) in Rotterdam.
The study also showed that the participants in the research feel much less happy than the average Dutch person. Half cannot take care of themselves alone, although the majority does receive a lot of support from their immediate living environment. The report was presented this Monday in Den Bosch to Minister Fleur Agema of Health, Welfare and Sport.
The minister is impressed by the findings: “The research shows that the consequences of the pandemic are not yet over for many.” Nationally, the number of post-covid patients is estimated at 450,000. A fifth (90,000 people) experience the long-term complaints as serious.
Infected in 2021
7,750 adults and 45 children participated in the study. The average age of adults is 49 years. Nearly three quarters of these are women and just over half are highly educated. The participants were all infected in 2021, and 64 percent had been vaccinated when they were interviewed for the first time in 2022.
‘Familiar story’
Agema was on a working visit to C-support, an organization that supports people with long-term corona complaints and is based in Den Bosch. Erasmus MC collaborated with this organization on the research. For example, the knowledge of Alfons Olde Loohuis was called upon. For this former GP in Herpen, the consequences of corona must seem very familiar. Just like after the outbreak of Q fever in his village, people can remain ill for a long time after corona. Moreover, they do not receive the medical care and attention they need.
READ ALSO: Former GP Olde Loohuis is very concerned about long Covid patients
Of the corona patients surveyed, almost everyone had work before the virus struck, now it is 71 percent. Many have since been declared (partially) incapacitated for work. The majority of people who were studying when they came into contact with Covid-19 subsequently fell behind in their studies. A quarter of patients have deteriorated so much financially that they are short of money. Because of the costs, 41 percent of sick people sometimes avoid care or other assistance.
Treatment of corona patient in hospital (photo: Omroep Brabant).
Most patients mainly suffer from:
- severe fatigue
- sleep problems
- anxiety and depression complaints
- complaints after exertion
After another study by ‘Erasmus’ in 2022, it was already stated that of seriously ill corona patients admitted to hospital, 92 percent still have complaints a year later. The conclusion was then drawn that perhaps even more people are affected and that the long-term consequences of the pandemic are still underestimated.
READ ALSO: Almost all corona patients who were in the hospital still have complaints
‘Attention needed for children and young people’
Naturally, the researchers also make recommendations. For example, it is urgently requested to take complaints from corona patients seriously, because their lives have really been turned upside down. The advice is addressed to governments, healthcare authorities, employers and people in the immediate living and environment of corona patients. Furthermore, attention is drawn to children and young people.
‘Also consider Q fever’
It is also wise to continue this research and, among other things, look at the consequences of Q fever, which can still be very intense years after infection. This disease, which can be transmitted by goats and started in Herpen, has similar symptoms. People in Brabant in particular have experienced this personally.
In this context, Agema also states that she thinks it is ‘important that we recognize and acknowledge post-covid’: “This makes people feel understood and they know that there is cooperation on many fronts to improve their situation and that of people with other post-infectious conditions.” improve over time.”
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Post-COVID Reality Check: The Long Haul for Survivors
Well, if you thought COVID was the pesky house guest who would leave after a few days of awkward chit-chat and endless streaming marathons, think again! According to a study from the Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam, about half of nearly 8,000 infected individuals from early 2021 are still feeling like they’ve been trampled by a herd of stampeding rhinos. Welcome to the club—far from being just ‘a bit under the weather’, they’ve got themselves a ticket to *Long COVID Land*.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
To break it down: a quarter of the surveyed population has recovered completely—positively cheery! Meanwhile, a whopping 50%! are barely scraping by, relying on support from their well-meaning friends and family. We all know someone who has turned into a bit of a hermit—you know, the kind who can’t manage to swing by the grocery store but can binge-watch a documentary about knitting for six hours straight.
A Closer Look
So just who did they include? A total of 7,750 adults and 45 children took part, with the adults averaging an age of about 49. Not surprisingly, the majority—nearly three-quarters—were women, and possibly all highly educated. Makes sense: only those with a PhD would try to solve an existential crisis while still figuring out which day of the week it is.
Impact on Everyday Life
Curiously enough, before the virus crashed their lives like an uninvited relative at the party, almost all participants were gainfully employed. Fast forward to today, and a mere 71% of them are still in the workgame—many now partially incapacitated. If you think this sounds grim, just wait; students who were once flying high have now plummeted academically, with a quarter hit so hard they’re financially snookered. Talk about a shocking plot twist!
What’s the Main Deal?
Those afflicted are reporting issues that read like a laundry list from a bad relationship:
- Severe fatigue (because who doesn’t want to feel like they’ve just run a marathon while lying on the couch?)
- Sleep problems (counting sheep is out, counting your worries keeps you awake).
- Anxiety and depression complaints (thanks for coming to the party, mental health crises!).
- Complaints after exertion (who knew doing the dishes could be so monumental?).
What’s to Be Done?
In a nearly theatrical twist, Minister Fleur Agema expressed her profound concern upon hearing these findings. Apparently, the consequences of the pandemic aren’t just fading like last week’s fashion trends. With approximately 450,000 post-COVID patients nationally, at least 90,000 are seriously suffering. We should probably work on that “long COVID” acronym—something like, “L.C.” sounds snappier than it is.
Looking to the Future
Researchers and medical experts urge a more serious approach to recognizing these long-term effects, particularly for children and young individuals who have been caught in this convoluted web. And let’s not forget the wisdom of old GP Alfons Olde Loohuis, who pointed out that the long-term impacts of past outbreaks like Q fever must also be acknowledged. And consider this: it did start from goats. If your neighbor starts raising livestock, you might want to start taking notes!
The Final Takeaway
In a world obsessed with returning to ‘normal,’ it seems obvious that we need to tailor our understanding and care for the pandemic’s aftershocks. Or as Minister Agema wisely puts it, we need to make these people feel understood. Just a reminder: Being empathetic is way cooler than it seems and it might even help you win at life!
So while we navigate through this bewildering pandemic saga, remember to check in on your loved ones, keep your houseplants alive, and maybe—just maybe—don’t try to handle life under a shroud of fatigue alone. Because, at the end of the day, we’re in this together, laughing through the tears or maybe just crying with laughter.
How can the healthcare system effectively support those who feel overwhelmed by long COVID symptoms, akin to preparing for a challenging ascent like Mount Everest?
Would feel like climbing Mount Everest?).
**Host**: Today, we have the honour of speaking with Minister Fleur Agema of Health, Welfare, and Sport about the recent findings from the Erasmus Medical Center regarding long-term COVID effects. Minister Agema, thank you for joining us. **Minister Agema**: Thank you for having me. **Host**: Let’s dive straight into it. The study indicates that nearly half of the participants from 2021 are still struggling with their health. How alarming are these findings for you and your ministry? **Minister Agema**: The findings are indeed concerning. It highlights that the impact of COVID-19 is far from over. Many of those affected, estimated at 450,000 nationally, are experiencing serious long-term complaints that interfere with their daily lives. It’s clear we need to focus our attention on these individuals and acknowledge their struggles. **Host**: A significant number of participants reported feeling less happy than the average Dutch person and many unable to care for themselves. What can be done to improve their situation? **Minister Agema**: We are looking into providing better support systems, including healthcare resources tailored for long COVID patients. It’s vital that we ensure they receive the medical care and attention they need. Additionally, we’re working closely with organizations like C-support to mobilize community support. **Host**: The study indicated that students have also seen a decline in their studies. What measures are being considered to support young people affected by these long-term symptoms? **Minister Agema**: We must prioritize not just adults but also children and young people who have been affected. We’re evaluating how we can provide educational support and mental health resources to help them catch up and regain stability in their academic lives. **Host**: Long COVID seems to have similarities with conditions like Q fever. Do you believe we should be investigating these parallels further? **Minister Agema**: Absolutely. There’s a lot we can learn from past experiences with conditions like Q fever. Recognizing and understanding the overlap can inform our approach to treatment and support for long COVID. Acknowledgement is key—it’s important for those affected to feel validated and understood in their struggles. **Host**: Thank you, Minister Agema, for your insights on this pressing issue. It’s clear there’s much work to be done, but your commitment to improving the situation for long COVID survivors is reassuring. **Minister Agema**: Thank you. We must keep the conversation going and ensure that we’re addressing the needs of those affected by this unprecedented crisis.Interview with Minister Fleur Agema
