Myth-Busting Long COVID: It Doesn’t Just Affect the “Vulnerable”
There’s a persistent myth about long COVID that just won’t go away: the idea that only the “vulnerable” or unhealthy end up with it. It’s the kind of assumption that gets casually dropped into conversation—“Well, you must have had underlying conditions, right?”—as if the fittest among us were immune. But here’s the twist: long COVID doesn’t play by those rules.
Far from targeting the “vulnerable,” many of the people battling long COVID were, ironically, some of the fittest and healthiest before they got sick. From marathon runners to yoga instructors, the stories are stacking up.
Pre-Pandemic Picture of Health? Meet Long COVID.
When the pandemic first hit, many assumed that being young, fit, and healthy meant you’d get a mild case of COVID-19—if you caught it at all. And for some, that was true. But for many others, their peak physical health didn’t stop them from developing debilitating long-term symptoms.
Take athletes, for example. The British Journal of Sports Medicine highlighted numerous cases of professional athletes experiencing long COVID. Many struggled with fatigue, heart palpitations, or breathlessness that left them unable to train, let alone compete. Imagine going from running ultra-marathons to struggling to climb the stairs—an experience shared by countless former fitness enthusiasts.
And it’s not just anecdotal. Research published in Nature Medicine found that long COVID can affect anyone, regardless of pre-existing health. A study of over 70,000 patients revealed that even those with no underlying conditions had a significant risk of developing long COVID symptoms, including neurological issues, heart problems, and extreme fatigue.
Why Fitness Isn’t a Shield
It’s tempting to think that being fit should protect you. After all, fitness is associated with strong immunity, good lung capacity, and resilience, right? But COVID-19 is nothing if not unpredictable.
- Immune Overdrive
Ironically, a strong immune system might even work against you. Some experts believe that a hyperactive immune response during the acute phase of COVID-19 could be a contributing factor to long COVID. This overdrive, often seen in young, fit individuals, might trigger the inflammation and immune dysregulation that lead to lingering symptoms. - Vascular Damage
COVID-19 is not just a respiratory virus—it also affects blood vessels. Even the fittest hearts and lungs can struggle when microclots or inflammation disrupt normal blood flow. - The Luck of the Draw
Sometimes, it’s simply down to how the virus interacts with your body. Genetic factors, the viral dose, and even timing (e.g., were you vaccinated?) can all play a role, none of which hinge on how many press-ups you can do. Long COVID doesn’t care how many steps you averaged on your smartwatch last year.
Shifting the Narrative: Stop the Blame Game
One of the most damaging aspects of the “only the vulnerable get long COVID” myth is the subtle (or not-so-subtle) implication that those affected somehow brought it on themselves. Spoiler: They didn’t.
For those living with long COVID, dismissive attitudes can add insult to injury. Framing long COVID as a problem for the weak or unhealthy spreads misinformation and risks ignoring those who don’t fit the stereotype—leaving them unsupported and misunderstood.
What Can You Do?
- Spread Awareness
When you hear someone parrot the myth, speak up. Share stories, studies, and articles (like this one!) to counter the misconception. - Push for Research
Support organisations advocating for long COVID research and treatment. More understanding means better care for everyone affected. - Listen Without Judgement
If someone tells you they have long COVID, believe them—no matter what their pre-pandemic lifestyle looked like.
Wrapping Up: Long COVID Doesn’t Discriminate
The idea that long COVID only affects the “vulnerable” is not just wrong—it’s harmful. It ignores the evidence, invalidates the experiences of those affected, and perpetuates stigma.
So, the next time someone suggests long COVID is a problem for the frail or unfit, feel free to point out that it’s sidelined marathon runners, bench-press champions, and yogis alike. Because long COVID doesn’t care if you were smashing your PBs or binge-watching Netflix—it’s an equal-opportunity disruptor.
Let’s move the conversation forward with empathy, evidence, and a little less judgment.
Disclaimer
This article reflects personal opinion and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. For any health concerns or treatments, always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Long Covid Journey 