Three years ago, Susan, a health policy consultant, was struggling with the debilitating symptoms of post COVID-19 condition, commonly known as long COVID. These include fatigue, memory loss, headaches, muscle aches and high temperature. As time passed, she wondered whether she might ever be the same person again.
For International Long COVID Awareness Day on 15 March 2026, Susan explained how her experience of long COVID continues to leave an indelible mark on her life.
“My recovery from long COVID was very slow and gradual. It probably took about 2.5 years to get more back to normal, but as my life had become very sedentary due to the fatigue, it’s difficult to say exactly how long.”
She cites online advice from the United Kingdom’s Royal College of Occupational Therapists and myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) support organizations as being crucial to her recovery.
“It was tempting to try to exert or exercise myself out of the fatigue, but they instead recommended managing my energy through the 3 Ps of pacing, planning and prioritizing. By following this course, engaging in gentle yoga, having a positive mindset and taking each day as it came, I eventually was able to rebuild my stamina.”
Relief and frustration
As a keen hiker and someone who enjoys travelling, 69-year-old Susan is relieved to now be able to return to doing these things, but the journey has not been easy.
“I had to be convinced that my fatigue symptoms really were over to avoid a setback. Thankfully, since then, I’ve been able to do a couple of quite strenuous walking holidays and feel I’m probably back to a normal level of health for my age.”
She stresses how lucky she now feels.
“Like many people, I took my health for granted before I developed long COVID. It’s taught me that you never know what’s around the corner.”
“I also think a lot about the people who were less fortunate than me, who lost their lives to COVID-19, as well as the grieving family members who weren’t able to spend time with loved ones before they died.”
Susan is also conscious that globally millions of people are still suffering the debilitating symptoms of long COVID, and that the risk of more people developing the condition remains while COVID-19 is in circulation.
“There are many people out there who are suffering symptoms far worse than I experienced. It must be incredibly frustrating, particularly for those who are younger, who are now unable to continue their careers, play with their children or live an independent life. I hope that research efforts can understand the condition better and develop treatments to help some of these sufferers.”
Myths and misconceptions
Susan may now have recovered her health, but she says the experience has irrevocably changed her as a person.
“I’m more patient both with myself and others, being more considerate if I see someone walking slowly, taking more time at the supermarket checkout, or in need of a seat on a busy bus or train, for instance. I value friends and family much more now and am determined not to put off doing the things I still want to experience in life.”
Six years on from the COVID-19 pandemic reaching Europe, Susan hopes that society has learned some lessons from the experience and has a greater awareness of the impacts of long COVID condition.
“The COVID-19 pandemic was so devasting for so many. It’s understandable that people want to forget about it and move on, but it’s vital to remember that viral infections are debilitating or even deadly. I hope people are now better at minimizing contact with others if they have viral symptoms and more readily take up protective vaccinations when offered. That way, fewer people will go on to develop long COVID.”
Misconceptions about long COVID continue to hinder diagnosis, prevention, care and rehabilitation. To debunk these myths, WHO/Europe, with support from the European Union, has developed 8 long COVID myth-busters that use evidence-based information and real patient stories to clear up these misconceptions and promote scientifically accurate understanding.