1/The story of Annie Faundes is a stark reminder of the potential long-term consequences of C-19. A dedicated high school teacher who used to plan years ahead, Annie's life took an unforeseen turn after contracting C-19 in spring 2021, leading to Long COVID and, #LongCovid
2/ tragically, an Alzheimer's diagnosis. At its worst, Annie's Long COVID symptoms were debilitating. A heart rate of 128 just from washing her hair forced her to rest afterwards. For three years, exercise became impossible. The persistent brain fog never lifted, eventually
3/ leading to a devastating Alzheimer's diagnosis. Annie describes the transition from Long COVID to Alzheimer's as "seamless." Reflecting on the early pandemic, she expresses her frustration: "I feel incredibly angry about the situation teachers faced" #Teachers #COVID19Pandemic
4/We were told masks weren't suitable because we might use them incorrectly. As if highly educated people couldn't read instructions? Adding to her frustration was the early information that "children don't transmit the virus." Annie felt like teachers were living in a #Schools
6/completely different reality. Tragically, her family also contracted COVID-19. Beyond fatigue and low-grade fever, Annie suffered from dizziness, headaches, and extreme sound sensitivity. The noise of the copier was unbearable, and she experienced tinnitus. "It was Long COVID
7/screaming," she recalls. Despite being on sick leave, her sense of guilt was constant, and she contracted COVID multiple times, even after vaccination. Annie poignantly reflects on here experience: "It seems I'm quite susceptible to COVID and it's like #SensoryIssues #Tinnitus
8/the virus targets the body's weaknesses. Perhaps there was a neurological vulnerability in me, so maybe I would have gotten Alzheimer's eventually, but perhaps not this early, and not if I had a different profession and hadn't been infected so many times." #LongTermEffects
9/Alarmingly US research indicates a significantly increased risk of an Alzheimer's diagnosis within a year of a COVID-19 infection. A study by Lindsay Wang at Case Western Reserve University found a 50-80% increased risk in over 6 million individuals aged 65+ #COVIDandAlzheimers
10/Annie's story and this research underscore the urgent need for more understanding and support for those suffering from Long COVID and its potential neurological consequences. We must listen to their experiences and invest in further research. #LongCovidAwareness
11/Let's raise our voices to support individuals like Annie and demand more research into the long-term effects of COVID-19. Share this thread to spread awareness.
H/T @scott_squires for his amazing poster collection!
#SupportLongCovid #ShareYourStory
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#COVIDisAirborne
mabra.com/halsa/annie-fi…
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