Long Covid syndrome

Since the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus was discovered at the beginning of 2020, almost 200,000,000 people have been diagnosed with the infection.

According to “Worldometer”, about 91% of these people have recovered, 7% are currently ill and 2% have died.

Recent months have seen increasingly frequent reports and studies on the significant number of people who have contracted the disease and are still not completely healthy after several weeks or even months. This delayed recovery from a SARS-CoV-2 infection is generally termed "long COVID".

The symptoms of long COVID vary greatly. Sufferers surveyed cited more than 200 different symptoms. Those reported most often, six to eight months after falling ill, were fatigue and low resilience, concentration problems, mild shortness of breath and signs of depression. The fact that these are not just isolated cases is concerning. Studies show that between a quarter and a third of persons who contracted COVID are still suffering from a varying degree of symptoms even months after the acute infection.

Given this background, we at Medical Services estimate that some of the Roche employees who contracted COVID are affected by long COVID syndrome and are suffering from its effects. Unfortunately, there is still no quick cure for this disease. However, it may be helpful to know that long COVID exists and for sufferers to be able to get the necessary help along the way to recovery. Medical Services offers a consultancy service for affected persons and, where needed, will also help them to obtain treatment in a specialist institution.

If you wish to make use of this support, please request an appointment with Medical Services.

Basel: email hidden; JavaScript is required Tel: 061 688 23 50

Kaiseraugst: email hidden; JavaScript is requiredTel: 061 687 22 67

Roche endeavours to prevent the spread of infection at its sites with its comprehensive protection policy. Vaccination is the most efficient way to avoid contracting COVID. We therefore recommend COVID vaccinations to all employees other than those for whom the vaccination is contraindicated. You can also contact Medical Services if you have any questions on this subject.

Stay safe and healthy!

Medical Services Basel and Kaiseraugst

Dr Beat Winkler, Medical Services