As the winter of 2024-2025 approaches, post-COVID has consequences that are too often overlooked. It is essential to take care of your health and adopt good habits.
The winter season sets in and COVID-19 continues to circulate, reminding us of the need to adopt effective preventive measures. A recent IFOP survey conducted by Pfizer reveals a worrying gap between French people’s perception of the consequences of COVID-19 and their behavior in the face of this risk. Let’s explore this paradox and the keys to remedying it.
What is post-COVID and why talk about it this winter 2024-2025?
The after-effects of post-COVID: fatigue, cognitive disorders, and more
Next to 88% of French people recognize the existence of long-term after-effects related to COVID-19, but only 19% of them say they are familiar with them. Among the impacts identified, we find:
- Persistent fatigue,
- Cognitive disorders such as memory or attention difficulties,
- Increased risks of cardiovascular diseases (63% increase in myocardial infarction and 72% increase in heart failure).
For Professor Olivier Robineau, infectious disease specialist, “ the after-effects are not limited to populations at risk. They can strike perfectly healthy individuals ».
A worrying feeling of indifference
Despite increased awareness, only 10% of French people say they are very worried contract COVID-19 or transmit it to those around them. A majority (43%) do not wear a mask if they have symptoms, even in the presence of vulnerable people.
This lack of collective commitment highlights a misperception of riskexacerbated by the low adoption of barrier gestures and declining vaccination coverage.
How to protect your health after a COVID-19 infection?
Faced with these findings, strengthening preventive behaviors is essential. Here are the actions recommended by experts and health authorities:
1. Vaccination: essential protection
Combined vaccination against influenza and COVID-19 is strongly encouraged this winter. It remains an effective tool for reducing serious forms and long-term after-effects.
2. Barrier gestures: a return to basics
- Wear a mask in crowded places or in case of symptoms,
- Wash your hands regularly,
- Ventilate enclosed spaces to limit the spread of viruses.
As Santé Publique France points out, these simple actions significantly reduce contamination, protecting the most vulnerable.
Post-COVID: long-term risks not to be neglected
Recent studies highlight that COVID-19 is not a simple respiratory infection. Data collected by INSERM and Cardio-Online show that:
- Patients who had a COVID long are at risk of anxiety and depressive disorders (up to 30% for those treated at home)
- Cardiovascular complications can appear up to a year after infection.
These figures should encourage increased vigilance, particularly in a context where other winter viruses (flu, RSV) are increasing the pressure on health systems.
Towards better awareness
To reverse the trend, clear and impactful communication on risks and best practices is necessary. Emphasis should be placed on:
- The concrete benefits of preventive behaviors,
- Testimonies from people who have experienced long COVID to raise awareness among the general public,
- Facilitated access to vaccines and protective equipment.
Sources :
- IFOP survey for Pfizer, October 2024
- Public Health France, prevention campaigns
- INSERM and Cardio-Online, data on long COVID
Health
Related News :