Chronically Ill People Say Covid Made Them Worse

A survey of people with chronic illnesses has found that around 60 percent who caught Covid-19 felt their general health condition worsened despite recovering from the virus.

The Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation said it carried out an online survey in June and July involving 119 chronic illness patients who had previously been infected with Covid.

Before catching the virus, around 46 percent of the respondents suffered from health issues in addition to their illnesses including shortness of breath, fatigue and sleeping problems. About 66 percent reported having such issues after becoming infected with the coronavirus.

"Their health conditions had deteriorated when compared with before Covid. Also, some of them feel depressed because they have already been suffering from chronic illnesses and now they suffer more due to Long Covid," said Dr Karen Hui, Rehabilitation Director at the society.

Hui said the Hospital Authority's Special Chinese Medicine Out-patient Programme for people with Long Covid should give priority to those with chronic illnesses, as they tend to suffer more health problems.

"Due to the high demand, some of the patients mentioned that it took quite a long time for them to queue up in the line in order to get treatment," she said.

"We suggest having some special clinics or special programmes tailor-made for these patients with Long Covid, and with priority given to those who suffer from chronic illnesses."