An institute in Rostock, which claims to be unique in Germany, wants to contribute to better handling of the late effects of corona in the future. With Long Covid in particular, it is particularly important that there is a place where the information comes together, said the initiator and lung specialist Jördis Frommhold on the occasion of the opening symposium of the German Press Agency on Saturday.

"We are dealing with a very diffuse clinical picture, with a wide variety of symptoms, up to 200 different ones." The private institute wants to advise those affected and clinics on treatment, but also companies with a view to health management. According to estimates, Long Covid affects 17 million people in Europe and 3 million people in Germany, said Frommhold. Long Covid can lead to disability if left untreated. "As a society, we simply cannot afford that," emphasized Frommhold.

She is regarded throughout Germany as an expert on Long Covid disease and is President of the new Long Covid Medical Association. As chief physician of a clinic specializing in lung diseases, she has treated more than 5500 long-Covid patients. With the founding of the institute, she is now jumping in at the deep end, said Frommhold.

cooperation with hospitals

The institute will cooperate with hospitals, such as the Bundeswehr hospital in Hamburg. According to its commander Thomas Harbaum, a long-Covid network of experts is needed, with the institute at the center. Economy and science have an urgent need, he said in view of the impending damage that can be caused by the illnesses, some of which can last for months.

As managing director, Frommhold is initially financing the institute from private funds. The state government of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is planning support. But the state parliament still has to decide on this.

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