Talk of the town : What is ''Long COVID''?
【明報專訊】According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the post COVID-19 condition, also known as "long COVID", refers to illness that occurs in patients who have had a confirmed COVID-19 infection before. The illness usually occurs within three months of recovery.
Symptoms of "long COVID"
According to some researchers, there are three types of 'long COVID' symptoms.
"Long COVID" in Hong Kong
In Hong Kong, there had been over 1.9 million infection cases as of the end of October 2022. Although there are no official figures about patients of "long COVID" in Hong Kong, many cases of "long COVID" have been reported.
"Long COVID" affects patients' livelihood and the public healthcare system in Hong Kong. For some patients, symptoms of "long COVID" have affected their ability to study and work. For example, according to a nursing home, some elderly people who had COVID-19 have now a weakened ability to swallow food.
Solutions to "Long COVID"
Some researchers have found that traditional Chinese medicine can help to reduce the symptoms of "Long COVID". However, to protect ourselves against "long COVID", the best way is to avoid getting infected with COVID-19. The WHO suggests that we get vaccinated and follow social distancing measures to reduce the chances of getting infected.
■Game
When should I get the third dose of the vaccine?
It is recommended that children aged 6 months to 11 years old receive the third dose of the Sinovac vaccine(科興疫苗) at least 90 days after the second dose.
Suppose that a 9-year-old boy received the second dose of the Sinovac vaccine on 1st Aug 2022. When can he receive the third dose of vaccine at the earliest?
(Answer on next text)
■Grammar booster
"Suggest" & "recommend"
We can suggest or recommend that somebody do something. The infinitive form of the verb is used.
e.g. I recommend that Paul talk to his teacher.
My mother suggested that I choose the cheapest guitar.
■Gear up
Dermatitis is one of the symptoms of "long COVID".
(True / False)
(Answer on next text)
■Glossary
inflammation (n) 發炎
dermatitis (n) 皮膚炎
livelihood (n) 生活
swallowing (v) 吞嚥
(Criticisms on this publication, if any, are aimed at pointing out the errors or defects of certain systems or policies with a view to rectifying or eradicating such errors or defects, as well as prompting improvement or remedy for them via lawful means. There is absolutely no intention of inciting hatred, discontent or hostility towards the government or other classes of the community.)
[Smarties' Power English 第358期]
