There are many myths surrounding Long COVID. In this article, we will address and debunk some of the most common misconceptions.
- Long COVID can significantly impact a person’s ability to work. This can lead to reduced income and financial strain. A systematic review found that approximately 49% of people with Long COVID were working reduced hours, while more than 50% were on some form of sick leave within months of infection.
- Long COVID has not disappeared. Although the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic is less visible in daily life, Long COVID remains a serious health concern. The lack of public attention has made the condition less visible, even as many people continue to experience persistent symptoms weeks or months after their initial infection. These symptoms can include fatigue, brain fog, and shortness of breath, among others. While public attention has declined and restrictions have largely been lifted in many countries, medical research and patient reports show that Long COVID continues to affect millions of people worldwide. Since the beginning of the pandemic, more than 400 million people globally have experienced Long COVID.
- COVID-19 vaccines do not cause Long COVID. Long COVID is defined as a condition that develops following infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, not vaccination. While some people report temporary or, in rare cases, ongoing symptoms after vaccination, these are not considered Long COVID because they are not caused by infection. In fact, studies show that vaccination reduces the risk of developing Long COVID by lowering the likelihood of infection and reducing the severity of illness when infection does occur.
- Long COVID can affect anyone, regardless of age or prior health status. This includes people who were previously healthy and those who experienced only mild or even asymptomatic COVID-19 infections. While underlying conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease may increase the risk, researchers have found that Long COVID is not limited to vulnerable populations. The condition can develop in athletes, young adults, and individuals with no prior medical history. Symptoms may last for weeks, months, or even years and can include extreme fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, and difficulties with memory or concentration. Scientists believe this occurs because COVID-19 can disrupt multiple systems in the body, including the immune, nervous, and circulatory systems, even after the initial infection has resolved.
