Most People with Long-COVID Report Stigma and Discrimination
Most people with long-COVID encounter stigma or discrimination, according to a newly published survey. The vast majority of people living with long-COVID (95%) face at least one form of stigma “sometimes,” while 76% experience it “often” or “always.” More specifically 63% of respondents reported friends or family withdrawing from them. More than 90% said they anticipated stigma such as others believing long-COVID is not a real disease. Eighty-six percent reported feeling deep shame or embarrassment due to perceived differences from those who aren’t living with long-COVID. Health researchers know that stigma surrounding other conditions, such as depression and HIV, deters people from seeking help, which leads to worsening health and wellbeing.
Full Story: CIDRAP, Mayo Clinic