Long Covid

In January 2022, Zuzanna Niemier developed Long Covid, a medical condition describing the health problems that some people experience after being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. These problems can last for weeks, months, or even years after the initial infection, and can affect various parts of the body and mind. Long COVID can occur in anyone who has had COVID-19, regardless of their age, symptoms, or severity of illness.

 

The exact causes and mechanisms of Long COVID are still being investigated and there is not specific test or treatment for it. Some of the common symptoms of Long COVID are: Extreme fatigue, muscular pain, shortness of breath and low oxygen in blood, cognitive dysfunction (also known as brain fog), poor memory, loss of smell or taste,  headaches, heart palpitations and many more.

​

Like many other Post-Covid sufferers, Zuzanna had to put her life in suspension due to this painful and  extremely disabling condition. Hoping for her body to recover or for the scientists to find a cure, she had to resign to her medical career, her specialization studies, the joy of reading a book or the excitement of a hike in the nature.

​

World-wide studies require financing in order to make progress to identify the causes and possible cures for the condition. The Dutch Foundation for Long Covid (https://www.stichtinglongcovid.nl) is collaborating with the country universities on 4 lines of investigation:

​

1. Blood clotting and disruption of blood vessels

2. Autoimmunity in relation to Long COVID

3. The role of neuroinflammation in Long COVID

4. Immune dysregulation and viral persistence

 

Many entities are running similar research programs that require financing, Long Covid Europe members page is listing different associations and organizations from some of the countries in a single page.