Un jeune homme face à la COVID longue durée
Table of Contents
- Un jeune homme face à la COVID longue durée
- The Long Road: A Young Man’s Battle with Long COVID
- Long COVID Lingers: Quebec’s Ongoing Battle Five Years Later
- Understanding Long COVID: A Q&A Guide
- What is Long COVID?
- What are the main symptoms of Long COVID?
- How Does long COVID affect daily life?
- What is Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and how is it related to Long COVID?
- Does a previous concussion affects Long COVID?
- Is there a cure for Long COVID?
- What is the best strategy for managing Long COVID?
- What challenges do patients with Long COVID face in healthcare systems?
- What is being done at a governmental level to address Long COVID in Quebec?
- What can be done to reduce long COVID?
- Where can individuals impacted by Long COVID find support?
- Long COVID facts:
- Key Takeaways
«J’essaie de prendre maintenant cette même discipline et persévérance pour faire face à la maladie», confie le jeune homme de 19 ans, démontrant une sagesse remarquable face à l’adversité.
Avant la maladie, Ludovic jouait au soccer semi-professionnel
PHOTO FOURNIE PAR CLAUDINE PRUD’HOMME
En novembre 2023, le jeune homme a contracté la COVID-19 pour la troisième ou quatrième fois. Cet étudiant au cégep en administration a rencontré des difficultés à achever ses travaux et examens de fin de session.
Par la suite,en janvier,il a subi une commotion cérébrale,ce qui a entraîné une détérioration rapide de son état de santé pendant plusieurs mois. il a commencé à éprouver des malaises post-effort, une faiblesse musculaire, des douleurs à la poitrine, une intolérance au bruit et à la lumière, ainsi que des maux de tête.
il a reçu un diagnostic de COVID de longue durée et de syndrome de tachycardie posturale, ce qui provoque des battements de cœur «vite et fort».
La vie quotidienne bouleversée
Même rire l’épuise
Ludovic, qui réside chez ses parents à Terrebonne, passe au moins 22 heures par jour alité. Paradoxalement, il est incapable de s’endormir pendant la journée en raison de ses symptômes. Il doit prendre des médicaments pour pouvoir dormir. Son quotidien inclut un déjeuner pris au lit, car il est incapable de se lever.
Ludovic Bégin passe ses journées étendu en raison de la COVID longue durée
The Long Road: A Young Man’s Battle with Long COVID
For many, the COVID-19 pandemic may seem like a distant memory, but for individuals like Ludovic Bégin, the struggle continues. Living with long COVID has drastically altered his life, confining him to his home and severely limiting his activities.
Life Interrupted: The Reality of Long COVID
Dialog is a challenge. Answering questions required a written format,a process that took over a week due to the debilitating effects of the illness.
Simple tasks are now monumental efforts. Ludovic showers every two to three days and needs assistance washing his hair. Social interaction is limited to a single 30-minute visit with a friend each month.Even laughter can be exhausting.
Ludovic with his father during a medical appointment.
PHOTO FOURNIE PAR CLAUDINE PRUD’HOMME
before long COVID, Ludovic was a semi-professional soccer player, a part-time worker, and a college student. He was also preparing for draft tryouts with American universities. Now, all of that is on hold.
Ludovic shares his story to raise awareness about long COVID, a condition that continues to impact lives years after the initial outbreak. The most challenging aspect, he says, is the uncertainty, as there is currently no definitive treatment. He feels constantly “in the néant”.
“Ce sont plusieurs essais-erreurs pour contrôler mes différents symptômes sans réellement savoir si cela va m’aider. Il y a plusieurs faux espoirs de guérison. Je passe plusieurs semaines à essayer un médicament et finalement il ne fonctionne pas,il faut recommencer,” Ludovic explains,highlighting the frustrating trial-and-error process of managing his symptoms.
Despite being grateful for the care he receives, Ludovic finds it “frustrating de naviguer dans un système de santé où les médecins n’ont aucune idée de quoi faire avec [lui]”.
He notes the shift in public perception: “Depuis un an, on fait comme si la COVID n’existait plus.”
The Ongoing Impact
Ludovic’s experience underscores the long-term consequences of COVID-19 and the urgent need for more research and effective treatments for long COVID sufferers. His story serves as a reminder that the pandemic’s impact extends far beyond the initial infection.
Long COVID Lingers: Quebec’s Ongoing Battle Five Years Later
Five years after COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, the repercussions of the virus continue to impact lives, notably through the enduring condition known as long COVID. While the initial crisis may have subsided, many individuals are still struggling to find meaningful recovery.
The Prevalence of long COVID
As of March 12, 2025, the effects of long COVID are still being felt. About 6% of adults in the U.S. – or roughly 18 million – are still affected.
Quebec’s Response to long COVID
quebec has taken steps to address the needs of those suffering from long COVID. In the spring of 2022, Quebec launched a network of 15 long COVID and Lyme disease clinics. According to data provided by the Quebec Health Department, as of December there were more than 2,300 patients.
Despite these efforts,challenges remain. Simon Décary, president of the steering committee for long COVID clinics at the Ministry of health, emphasizes the ongoing impact: “VID longue. Mais il y a encore du monde qui se retrouve handicapé” (Long COVID is here. But there are still people who find themselves disabled).
Strategies to Reduce the Risk of Long COVID
The Gouvernement du Québec emphasizes that vaccination and public health measures remain the best strategies to lower the risk of getting infected with COVID-19 and, consequently, reducing the risk of developing long COVID. Additional information on reducing the risks for spreading COVID-19 is available on the page Symptoms, transmission and treatment (COVID-19).
Community Support
For those seeking support and connection, a Facebook group called COVID longue Québec has been formed by individuals suffering from the condition.
Have information to share about this story? Write to us at or call us directly at 1 800-63SCOOP.
Understanding Long COVID: A Q&A Guide
Long COVID continues to impact lives years after the initial COVID-19 infection. This Q&A guide sheds light on the condition, its impacts, and what is being done to address it.
What is Long COVID?
What is Long COVID?
Long COVID,also known as post-COVID conditions,refers to a wide range of new,returning,or ongoing health problems people can experience four or more weeks after being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. Even people who did not have symptoms when they were infected can still develop Long COVID.
What are the main symptoms of Long COVID?
What are the most common symptoms of Long COVID?
Symptoms vary widely but can include fatigue, post-exertional malaise (PEM) or “crashes” after physical or mental activity, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, cognitive dysfunction (“brain fog”), headache, sleep problems, muscle weakness, heart palpitations, chest pain, and intolerance to noise and light.[^1^]
How Does long COVID affect daily life?
How does Long COVID impact daily living?
The impact can be profound. Many individuals find simple tasks exhausting and may need assistance with basic activities. Social interaction and work become severely limited.In certain specific cases, like that of Ludovic Bégin, individuals may spend the majority of their day in bed due to debilitating symptoms.
What is POTS and why is it associated with long COVID?
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a condition that affects blood flow, causing an increased heart rate upon standing. It is characterized by specific diagnostic criteria, including an increase in heart rate of 30 beats per minute (bpm) or more (or ≥40 bpm for those aged 12-19 years) within 10 minutes of standing, in the absence of orthostatic hypotension. This can lead to symptoms like dizziness, fainting, and fatigue. Growing evidence suggests that POTS can develop consequently of Long COVID, though the exact mechanisms are still being studied.[^2^]
Does a previous concussion affects Long COVID?
How does a previous concussion affects Long COVID?According to the study the concussion worsened it. Since previous concussion is the result of a traumatic impact to the head, patients who have suffered a cerebral concussion can develop headaches,attention deficit and other cognitive functions or neurological problems.
[^3^]
Is there a cure for Long COVID?
is there a definitive treatment for Long COVID?
Currently, there’s no one-size-fits-all cure for Long COVID.Treatment focuses on managing individual symptoms through a trial-and-error approach. This can involve medications,physical therapy,and lifestyle adjustments. Research is ongoing to find more effective therapies.
What is the best strategy for managing Long COVID?
What is the best way of managing Long COVID?The long-term effects and implications and the best strategy is to try and control the different symptoms, while being cautious if it’s going to help or not.
What challenges do patients with Long COVID face in healthcare systems?
What difficulties do Long COVID patients encounter with healthcare providers?
Many patients express frustration with healthcare systems because doctors often lack clear guidance on how to treat Long COVID. This can lead to a feeling of being “in the néant” (void) as patients navigate a complex and uncertain diagnostic landscape.
What is being done at a governmental level to address Long COVID in Quebec?
What steps have been taken to address Long COVID in Quebec?
According to the study Quebec launched a network of 15 long COVID and Lyme disease clinics in the spring of 2022 and as of December there were more than 2,300 patients.
What can be done to reduce long COVID?
What are effective strategies for minimizing the risk of developing Long COVID?
The Gouvernement du Québec emphasizes that vaccination and public health measures remain the best strategies to lower the risk of getting infected with COVID-19 and, consequently, reducing the risk of developing long COVID.
What other measure can be taken?
Additional facts on reducing the risks for spreading COVID-19 is available on the page Symptoms,transmission and treatment (COVID-19).
Where can individuals impacted by Long COVID find support?
Where can I find support groups and resources for Long COVID?
Many online communities have formed to provide support and information. A Facebook group called “COVID longue Québec” is one example where individuals suffering from the condition connect and share experiences.
Long COVID facts:
| Fact | Detail |
| :———————— | :——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————– |
| Prevalence | Roughly 6% of adults in the U.S. – or about 18 million – are still affected 5 years after COVID-19 was declared a pandemic.. |
| Quebec Initiatives | Quebec launched a network of 15 long COVID and Lyme disease clinics in the spring of 2022. |
Key Takeaways
Long COVID is a complex condition with varied symptoms and impacts.
There is no single cure; treatment focuses on symptom management.
Increased awareness and research are crucial for improving care and finding effective treatments.
Support groups and communities can provide
