During the research for his seventh Corona film (see overview below), Eckart von Hirschhausen meets patients with ME/CFS – the disease is usually triggered by viruses, manifests itself in extreme states of exhaustion and is the most severe form of Long Covid. Several hundred thousand people are affected. One of them is Andrea, whom von Hirschhausen first met three years ago for a film (“Corona without End?”). The physiotherapist became infected while working. She used to climb mountains, but today she spends most of her time in bed and her occupational disability has not yet been recognized. Von Hirschhausen: “Hundreds of thousands of people who are strangely invisible in society are like Andrea. The majority prefer to look away and are happy that Corona has had no consequences for them.” Many are left to their own devices, without diagnosis, without therapy, without recognition as seriously ill. The film asks: “Why is the healthcare system failing to help these people?”
Young people have suffered to protect their elders
The film also looks at a group that always had to take a back seat during the pandemic: children and young people. What has Corona done to their souls beyond the clinics and intensive care units? The psychological stress on children and young people has increased immensely since the pandemic, and the treatment options are no longer sufficient. Von Hirschhausen meets child and adolescent psychiatrist Prof. Tobias Renner, who explains how much the needs of young people to protect the elderly have suffered.
The corona vaccination has also left its mark. “Precisely because I have clearly spoken out in favor of the benefits of vaccination, I think it is important to also talk about new findings as to why and who the vaccination may have harmed,” said von Hirschhausen. In the film, he attends a charity evening for post-vac sufferers and listens to fellow cabaret artist Christine Prayon (formerly of “heute-show”), who fell ill after the corona vaccination.
More resources, better networking and care
Eckart von Hirschhausen’s conclusion at the end of the film: “I was impressed by how many people get involved, share their knowledge, and don’t let up until politicians, the medical profession and hospitals make a move. Long Covid, Post Vac and ME/CFS will hopefully soon be understood and treated. The experts say: This can be achieved with more resources, better networking and care. Thank you to everyone who keeps this hope high every day and gives their best.”
“Hirschhausen and the Long Shadow of Corona” is a production by Bilderfest GmbH (written and directed by: Kristin Siebert, producer: Stefan Otter) on behalf of WDR (editor: Daniele Jörg, editorial team: Tina Srowig) for Das Erste.
