We regularly take a look at Switzerland's neighboring countries and how they deal with Long COVID. In the "Podcast for Germany" of the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (F.A.Z.), socially relevant topics are presented daily within about 30 minutes. For example, in July 2023, the reporters dealt with the topic "Long COVID: Why the pandemic is not yet over for millions of people". Three experts shed light on the disease from medical, social, and political perspectives.
The surgeon Dr. Claudia Ellert, who is herself affected by Long COVID and actively supports other affected people in Germany, describes the enormous social burden of Long COVID. She reports, also from her own experience, how important the recognition of the disease in society is. Because therapeutic options are still so limited, it is important to strengthen the exchange among those affected in order to make it easier for them to deal with the disease.
In the podcast, Prof. Dr. Carmen Scheibenbogen, an expert on myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and Long COVID, discusses the definition of Long COVID, the known background of the disease and the current care situation. In order to better help those affected, the government has to invest in further training of healthcare personnel as well as in research and development of medical care.
F.A.Z. political editor Kim Björn Becker concludes with an assessment of health policy activities in Germany and the impact of Long COVID on the economy.
The podcast is available on the F.A.Z. website as well as on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Deezer in German.
