The Long COVID Shadow
After suffering the hopes of a full recovery, Atleast moving on in 2021, the Covid-19 pandemic and the shadow of Long COVID continue to linger. Now over two years removed from his last bout with COVID-19, actor Matt McGorry finds himself navigating a new reality, wrestling with debilitating symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and Raynaud’s disease.
McGorry shared his struggles candidly on social media, shedding light on the pervasive but often misunderstood reality of Long COVID. A vlog recounting his hard-won understanding explained his fears of career discrimination and the ongoing fight for accessible medical care within a system plagued by invisible illnesses.
"This is definitely the most vulnerable thing I’ve ever shared and is a conversation I haven’t even had with a lot of my closest friends," he admitted in the November 29, 2022, video.
"Long COVID has dramatically changed my life."
He described the hit to his lifestyle:
"Some things that I love that I can’t do any more are exercising, lifting weights, hiking and reading an hour a day," he explained, his voice cracking with the emotional weight of these losses.
McGorry’s experience echoes the story of millions worldwide, grappling with the lasting effects of COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 400 million people are affected globally. He urged
enpromoting risk mitigation measures in a follow-up video, advocating for a return to a more considerate, inclusive post-pandemic normalcy.
"Having to still think about COVID fucking sucks. Trust me, I get it," he empathized.
"But empathy alone is not enough without actions of solidarity."
McGorry’s story highlights the persistent invisible challenges faced by Long COVID patients, demonstrating the impact it can have on individual and societal fronts. It shines a light on the urgency for
accessible care, increased research,
and broader visibility for individuals struggling silently.
The actor’s journey speaks to a glaring need for societal shifts, encouraging empathy and understanding in a healthcare system struggling to keep up with the demands of a changing world.
