From Twitter to TikTok, the term \"long COVID\" is trending worldwide as millions share their struggles with the condition years after initial infection. The World Health Organization defines long COVID as symptoms persisting for at least three months post-infection, with fatigue, cognitive issues, and breathing difficulties ranking as the most common challenges. CGTN Global Stringer spoke to experts and survivors from the UK, France, Spain, and Australia to unpack its far-reaching impacts.
Why Social Media Is Amplifying Voices
Long COVID sufferers are turning to platforms like Twitter to build communities, swap stories, and demand medical recognition. \"I went from hiking weekly to needing a wheelchair,\" shared a UK-based teacher featured in the report. Over 65% of patients in a recent informal poll said social media provided their only support system.
A Global Health Puzzle
While causes remain unclear, researchers note that long COVID disproportionately affects women and those with pre-existing conditions. A French immunologist interviewed emphasized: \"This isn’t just fatigue—it’s systemic disruption.\" Advocacy groups globally are pushing for faster research and workplace accommodations.
What’s Next?
With no cure yet, patients stress the need for visibility. As one Madrid resident said: \"We’re not ‘recovered’—we’re adapting.\" Public health leaders urge governments to prioritize funding, while hashtags like #LongCOVID and #ChronicIllness drive awareness.
Reference(s):
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