Kristen

1 year since diagnosis

Age at interview: 35

Kristen has been suffering from long-COVID symptoms for over a year after being infected in April 2021. For the longest time she dealt with a fever almost daily and continues to deal with fatigue, brain fog, headaches and body aches. To cope with long-COVID and its impacts, Kristen relies heavily on her husband and a close-knit network of family and friends for support. She also has strong support from her family doctor who she sees regularly and from holistic health professionals (e.g., massage therapist, naturopath) who help her manage the symptoms. She wishes that there was a clear path to recovery and hopes that we will learn more about long-COVID to better support people living with long-term COVID symptoms. This experience has been challenging for Kristen but it has made her reflect on what’s important to her in life and to focus on what she values most – health and family. Moving forward she plans to spend more time doing the things she loves with her family and getting back to her active lifestyle.

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More content

• Getting Care for Long COVID – Kristen
  Kristen's family doctor was supportive but unable to offer much in the way of treatment.
• Complementary and Alternative Care – Kristen
  Kristen felt supported by her naturopath and was "a huge fan of acupuncture, osteo, and massage."
• Support From Employers, Colleagues, and Worker’s Compensation Boards – Kristen
  Kristen had to find a new human resources representative when her first one questioned her symptoms.
• Support From Employers, Colleagues, and Worker’s Compensation Boards – Kristen
  Kristen benefitted from top-up pay and gradual return to work.
• Advice to Healthcare Providers – Kristen
  Kristen explains what a reassuring word meant to her.
• Impacts on Friendships – Kristen
  Kristen has stepped away from friends who doubt the reality of long COVID and focuses on more supportive relationships.