Long COVID
Long COVID
Long COVID is a chronic condition caused by an initial COVID infection and is present for at least 3 months. It is characterized by a wide array of symptoms including:
- Extreme tiredness, especially after activity.
- Problems with memory, often called brain fog.
- A feeling of being lightheaded or dizzy.
- Problems with taste or smell.
- Sleep problems.
- Shortness of breath.
- Cough.
- Headache.
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
In April 2024 the CDC reported that almost 18 million Americans have Long COVID, with 75% of those reporting that it limits their daily activities.[i] People with Long COVID, like other forms of chronic illness, may experience times of better and worse symptoms.
This can greatly impact their ability to participate in the life of the church. Many Christians with Long COVID have reported that they feel abandoned by their church community when their symptoms linger. The church can be a place where those with Long COVID can find support and care in the midst of challenging circumstances.
[i] https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/covid19/pulse/long-covid.htm
Tips for Caring for those with Long COVID
For Congregations
- Provide material support to those experiencing Long COVID. This can include: financial assistance with unpaid medical bills, providing meals on a regular basis, arranging regular visits from pastors or volunteers to provide spiritual support.
- Consider adding a masked section to your worship space where those with chronic illness or who are immune-compromised can sit without fear of getting an infection. Improve the ventilation of the indoor space of your church building to ensure adequate airflow and filtration of microorganisms. Encourage congregants to stay home when they are sick to avoid spreading the illness to vulnerable members of the community.
For Individuals
- Check in frequently with people in your congregation who are experiencing Long COVID.
- Offer to bring someone a meal or clean their house.
- Offer a ride to appointments or to run errands.
- Provide an attentive listening ear to the person without offering suggestions of cures or judgment that they are not getting better
- If you interact with someone at church who is masked, ask before shaking hands or touching them.