Long COVID Recognized as Chronic Illness, Demanding Integrated Care
Madrid, Spain – Long COVID has officially been classified as a chronic illness, a meaningful step forward in recognizing and addressing the complex needs of affected patients. this designation, agreed upon by the Spanish ministry of Health and autonomous communities within the Interterritorial Council of the National Health system (CISNS), aims to standardize and improve the care provided to individuals experiencing persistent symptoms after a COVID-19 infection.
Dr. Pilar rodrรญguez Ledo, president of the Spanish Society of Primary Care Physicians (SEMG), emphasizes the critical need for an “integrated approach” to managing Long COVID. she highlights that current patient care has been “quite disorganized,” with individuals often treated based on isolated symptoms rather than a holistic understanding of their condition. The recognition of Long COVID alongside other chronic conditions like celiac disease, non-oncological chronic pain, and polio sequelae, signifies a crucial acknowledgment of these “recognized needs.”
The path forward, tho, requires ample organizational effort. Dr. Rodrรญguez Ledo stresses that chronic diseases necessitate dedicated follow-up and adaptable therapeutic plans. While there are no curative drugs for Long COVID, existing medications can help stabilize symptoms. This involves a complete strategy, from accurate diagnosis and patient registration to the progress of treatment plans and ongoing monitoring of disease progression. The SEMG president underscores that “there is still work to be done” to effectively manage these long-term health challenges.
