The long-term consequences of a coronavirus infection Rehabilitation clinics in Switzerland for patients suffering the after-effects of a coronavirus infection

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Intro

A coronavirus infection can affect people in a wide variety of ways. Some people get back to normal after two weeks with mild symptoms, while others struggle with the long-term consequences for months afterwards. Those affected complain of chronic fatigue as well as shortness of breath and even depression. It turns out that the recovery time needed after a Covid-19 infection is often underestimated. A number of well-known rehabilitation clinics in Switzerland are addressing this problem by offering individually tailored long Covid programmes. Introducing four Swiss clinics: Oberwaid private clinic and Waldhotel Health & Medical Excellence, as well as the rehabilitation clinics of Zihlschlacht and Dussnang.

Text by Dr Kathrin Zimmermann

Long Covid: The long-term consequences of a coronavirus infection

An estimated 10 to 20% of those with coronavirus suffer from long-term damage. Exact study data is not yet available, and some experts are assuming a much higher proportion of up to 70%. Those affected can be burdened with exhaustion, fatigue and reduced performance for weeks or even months. Other symptoms include shortness of breath and muscle pain, as well as neurological problems such as headaches and symptoms of paralysis. Loss of smell and taste can bring about a loss of appetite, which further weakens the body. A coronavirus infection can also impact on mental health and can lead to anxiety and panic attacks. Patients with a life-threatening Covid-19 infection need intensive care with artificial respiration in the acute phase of the illness. But it is not only the seriously ill who later suffer with long Covid symptoms. Even those who have only a moderate or slight illness can experience long-term effects on their health months after the actual coronavirus infection.

Coronavirus has many faces with a wide variety of symptoms. The long-term effects will preoccupy us over the next few months and maybe even years.
Dr Uwe Grommas, Vice Medical Director, Oberwaid - The Hotel. The Clinic.
Clinic Oberwaid is the ideal place for a professionally guided return to health and renewed joie de vivre. The 10-day post-COVID care programme includes a preliminary medical examination with individually tailored treatment. An interdisciplinary team of renowned health specialists stands ready to take care of physical ailments and mental health. A doctor is available in-house around the clock. The beautiful location on Lake Constance with landscaped private grounds at the foot of the Alpstein mountains guarantees you peace and privacy.

Rehabilitation programmes for long Covid

Long Covid rehabilitation commences with an initial examination by the attending doctor. An individual treatment plan is drawn up, based on the patient’s needs and the severity of their complaints. In the case of severe coronavirus symptoms, the aim is that those affected should no longer be entirely dependent on the administration of oxygen. Regaining a certain degree of independence in everyday life is also important, which is where breathing exercise and physiotherapy can help. Once the patient starts to feel better, a regime of medical exercise therapy is used to increase resilience and vitality. Covid-19 affects the metal state of around a third of patients. Recovering patients often suffer from insecurity, anxieties or mood swings. It takes a team of specialists from different disciplines to cover all the different needs. The caregivers, whether doctors or nursing staff, are available on site day and night.

As the impact of being infected by the coronavirus can be so different, the rehabilitation programmes must also be individually tailored.
Dr Daniel Zutter, Chief Physician and CMO at VAMED Switzerland with the rehabilitation clinics of Zihlschlacht and Dussnang
The 3-week post-Covid-19 programme offered by the Rehabilitation Clinic Zihlschlacht takes an individual, flexible and holistic approach. Even severely impacted coronavirus patients who need intensive treatment at the early stages of rehabilitation and a longer stay can receive around-the-clock care here at the highest medical level.
The Rehabilitation Clinic Dussnang offers a 14-day “Fit after Covid” programme. The focus is on the patient’s own well-being, with exercise, relaxation and strengthening of the immune system. A healthy diet is also very important. The clinic’s team has many years of experience in organising inpatient stays for international guests.

Excellent private clinics offer a road to recovery in Switzerland

Switzerland enjoys a good reputation as an exclusive medical destination and has one of the best healthcare systems in Europe. All Swiss private clinics and rehabilitation centres have an excellent infrastructure with cutting-edge technical equipment. The medical specialists are highly qualified and familiar with the latest treatment options, which they use to benefit their patients. Political stability and security make Switzerland an ideal place in which to recover. Discretion and service are extremely important to us, and the courteous treatment of international guests is a long-standing tradition here.

First-class medical care in an exclusive private clinic environment aids recovery after a brush with Covid-19.
Prof. Verena Briner, Medical Director, Waldhotel Health & Medical Excellence
The “Post Covid Bounce Back” programme run by the Waldhotel Health & Medical Excellence is a 7-day personalised programme. The medical check-up upon admission consists of a comprehensive analysis of your physical condition. Breathing exercises and personal training sessions, as well as a healthy diet, are cornerstones of the programme. Highly qualified doctors and nurses are available around the clock. Getting there is easy: One hour from Zurich Airport, helicopter landing pads on site, and landing facilities for private jets 15 minutes from the hotel.

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