According to the European Commissioner for Health, Stella Kyriakides, 17 million Europeans have been affected by persistent COVID-19 in the first two years of the pandemic. The number continues to increase as one in eight people experience symptoms that last longer than expected, including physical and psychological symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and depression.

The World Health Organization classifies patients who have not fully recovered at least two months after infection as those who suffer from persistent COVID-19, accounting for 10 to 20 percent of patients affected by the virus. Thus, the European Commission is creating a network of experts to address the challenges of managing long-term COVID-19.

Kyriakides stated that while progress has been made in understanding this disease, there is still a need to deepen our knowledge. She added that the Community Executive has financed six investigations amounting to 42 million euros on the subject.

The situation on persistent COVID-19 in Europe is worrisome, and the network of experts is a necessary step in addressing the current and future effects of the virus. Although the number of cases may be decreasing, the long-term effects must still be addressed to provide proper care for those affected by this pandemic. We must continue to deepen our knowledge and understanding of this disease to ensure that we are prepared for any future outbreaks.