When Life's 'Pause' Button is Pressed More Than 'Play': Living with Long Covid
Published by THE WIRE [ Author: Shivani Chaudhry | Date Published: 15 March 2025 – on International Long Covid Awareness Day] Four hundred million people affected globally. Over 200 documented symptoms. No approved cure. Widespread ignorance, even among medical practitioners. Millions unable to work and provide for themselves. Negligible medical, monetary, and social support. An estimated annual economic impact of US$ 1 trillion. On the fifth anniversary of the Covid pandemic, this is the grim reality of Long Covid, a complex, disabling, chronic illness, afflicting 10–30% of Covid-infected people. Annually, March 15 is observed now as International Long Covid Awareness Day—to increase recognition, public education, advocacy, and attention to the plight of those suffering. Though most people speak of the pandemic in the past tense, Covid is still killing thousands every month, while continuing to affect many with Long Covid. The policy shift from ‘erad...