It is estimated that at least 65 million people worldwide have Long COVID, with the number of cases increasing daily (as of November 2023). Several hypotheses have been put forward about the pathophysiology of Long COVID. Predominant theories include viral persistence (the virus remains in the body), persistent inflammation, microbiome changes, autoimmune reactions, and changes in the complement system, vasculature and blood clotting. Further research into the pathophysiology of Long COVID is urgently needed. Long COVID can affect anyone, with weight, asthma, female sex and severity of acute infection being considered risk factors, among others.
The United Nations (UN) and World Health Organization (WHO) recognize Long COVID, but there is no specific World Long COVID Day. Therefore, a popular internet movement is calling for March 15 to be declared International Long COVID Awareness Day and for March to be Long COVID Month. The movement collects donations and signatures and wants to raise awareness. Their demands are:
- Recognize Long COVID
- Prevent Long COVID
- Act by addressing Long Covid
As with diseases such as Aids (red) and breast cancer (pink), supporters of this movement display a ribbon. It contains three colors with specific meanings: grey for loss and grief, teal for hope and support and black for loneliness and isolation.
The Long COVID ribbon has the colors grey, teal and black.
The movement mainly takes place on social media giving those with limited energy better opportunities to participate. In order to attract a lot of attention, a post with the hashtag #LongCovidAwareness shall be published on March 15 at 3 pm in each time zone. The aim is to create a wave around the world and make Long COVID Awareness a trending topic on social media. We at Altea are taking part on Instagram, Facebook and Linkedin.
If you want to take part and customize your profile picture on social media, you can create a frame here.
Profile picture frames for Long COVID Awareness can be created here. Altea takes part.
