Frequently Asked Questions Overview
Post-COVID
Yes. There is a brochure in simple language and there is one poster in simple language available. An animation has also been made in which the information, which corresponds to that from the folder, is explained. You can find this via this link view. It explains what Long COVID / post-COVID is. What complaints most people have. What someone can go to C-support and PostCovid NL for and what they can do for a patient.
Yes. There is information in 11 different languages about what Long COVID / post-COVID is. What kind of complaints most people have. What someone can go to C-support and PostCovid NL for. And what they can do for a patient. This is on www.c-support.nu/talen. There is also a toolkit with materials for non-native speakers and low-literates. This can be found here: www.c-support.nu/toolkit-voor-communication-in-multiple-languages/ If desired, C-support will activate an interpreter telephone if there is contact with someone who speaks another language.
No, there is (as yet) no test to demonstrate post-COVID. That is why it is important to rule out another medical cause or explanation for your symptoms before talking about post-COVID. That is why you should always visit your GP first.
Uit research it appears that 1 in 8 people who have been infected with COVID develop long-term complaints (post-COVID). It is difficult to estimate the exact number of post-COVID patients because there is no national registration. In the MIT report is based on 450.000 patients, of which 90.000 patients with serious long-term complaints. This also includes children and young people.
Yes. Post-infectious conditions such as post-COVID, ME/CFS, Q fever and Lyme disease show certain similarities with each other. Similar complaints:
- Extreme fatigue
- PEM (complaints after physical and mental exertion)
- Dysautonomia (nervous system dysregulation)
- Muscle and joint complaints
- Poor quality of sleep
Dysautonomia is an umbrella term used to describe several conditions that cause a disruption of the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system then does not function properly. There are several causes of dysautonomia, including post-infectious syndromes (such as post-COVID and QVS), ME/CFS, but also Parkinson's disease, for example. Dysautonomia mainly occurs in women. View our page about the different forms of dysautonomia for more information.
PEM stands for Post Exertional Malaise, which refers to an aggravation of complaints after (over)exertion. Complaints can arise acutely or develop 12-48 hours after physical, cognitive and/or emotional exertion. These complaints can last for days or in some cases weeks. In particular, exhaustion for a considerable time after the exertion is typical. View our page about PEM for more information.
'POTS' stands for postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. This is more common in post-COVID patients. This means that when changing position (for example from lying to standing) the heart rate suddenly increases significantly. This often causes various other complaints (including palpitations, fainting, headache, fatigue). This indicates a autonomic nervous system dysfunction. View our here page about POTS for more information.
MCAS is a condition in which mast cells in the body inappropriately activate and release substances. This causes a wide range of symptoms that often mimic allergic reactions. Examples include skin complaints such as redness and itching, circulatory problems such as low blood pressure and fainting, gastrointestinal complaints such as abdominal cramps and diarrhea, respiratory complaints such as nasal congestion or itching, and other symptoms such as fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and a general feeling of being unwell. View our page about MCAS for more information.
PEM and POTS are now concepts that are familiar to most general practitioners and specialists. This knowledge will certainly be included in an update of guidelines. When these updates are planned, we do not know. It is the task of the various professional associations to adjust guidelines. C-support naturally shares knowledge about this. It is known that it has been included in the guidelines of occupational physicians en sports physicians.
Can post-COVID increase the risk of thrombosis?
Research shows that the risk of thrombosis, such as a blood clot in the leg (deep vein thrombosis) or in the lungs (pulmonary embolism), can remain elevated for some time after a SARS-CoV-2 infection. This increased risk is primarily seen in the first three to six months after infection and applies not only to people who have been seriously ill, but can also occur in those with persistent symptoms consistent with post-COVID [1]. This doesn't mean that everyone with post-COVID will develop thrombosis, but it does mean that it's important to be alert to symptoms that could indicate this.How can thrombosis develop post-COVID?
In post-COVID, various processes in the body can remain disrupted for a longer period. Scientific research describes that the lining of blood vessels, the so-called endothelium, can remain activated or damaged for a long time after a SARS-CoV-2 infection. As a result, the blood vessel partially loses its protective function against clotting [2,3]. Furthermore, there are indications that the blood in some people retains an increased tendency to clot for a long time, which can be reflected in elevated clotting values for months after the infection [3]. Persistent inflammation likely also plays a role, as inflammatory processes can continue to activate the clotting system. Finally, inactivity or prolonged lying down, which are common in post-COVID cases, can further increase the risk of thrombosis.What can you do yourself to reduce the risk?
Although thrombosis cannot always be prevented, there are measures that can help reduce the risk. Regular exercise is important, even if it only occurs briefly. It is best to avoid sitting or lying still for long periods by, for example, moving around briefly every hour. Drinking enough fluids helps to make the blood less viscous. For people who are (partially) bedridden, regularly moving their feet and legs in bed can contribute to better blood circulation. In some situations, wearing support stockings can be helpful, but this should always be done in consultation with a doctor or healthcare provider. It is important not to use blood thinners without medical advice.When should you contact your GP?
It is important to contact your GP the same day if you experience symptoms such as a suddenly swollen, painful, or warm calf or leg, or if you experience new, unexplained shortness of breath. In the event of severe and sudden symptoms, such as severe shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, coughing up blood, or sudden loss of function such as a crooked mouth or speech problems, you should call 112 immediately. Healthcare professionals should here. more information about anticoagulation in post-COVID.Sources [1] Katsoularis I. et al. Risk of venous thromboembolism following COVID-19. BMJ, 2022. [2] Crook H. et al. Long COVID: mechanisms, risk factors and management. Journal of Medical Virology, 2021. [3] Jing Z. et al. Long COVID: pathophysiological mechanisms and therapeutic strategies. Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy, 2022.
Treatments
We regularly receive questions from post-COVID patients about the off-label use of SSRIs. See here. for more information on the use of SSRIs.
We regularly receive questions from post-COVID patients about the off-label use of LDN. See here. for more information about using LDN.
Paxlovid is registered in the Netherlands for the group of high-risk patients, to reduce the chance of a more serious acute course of a COVID infection (hospitalization, ICU admission or death) in the event of (re)infection. At this time, there is insufficient scientific evidence that starting Paxlovid in people with post-COVID, at the time of (re)infection, leads to a less serious course or relapse. That is why post-COVID is not included in the group of high-risk patients who have an indication to receive this at the time of (re)infection. There is also no scientific basis for using Paxlovid for the treatment of post-COVID, although this is currently being investigated. In the Netherlands, there is currently no possibility for people with post-COVID to qualify for Paxlovid on an individual basis, with the help of a general practitioner or another doctor.
Doing activities in measured doses can be helpful, an occupational therapist can advise you on this. View this videos about energy and recovery
Yes, that is possible. Fighting the complaints and not being able to accept them costs energy. Energy that is badly needed to recover. We often notice that if people accept the situation and can 'surrender' more to the complaints, this benefits the recovery. However, simply accepting the complaints does not ensure that the complaints are gone and the patient is better again. So, as mentioned, it is helpful but not healing. Our aftercare advisor can advise you further in the process of accepting complaints. There are also training courses available (e.g. ACT).
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a treatment in which you inhale 100% oxygen through a mask at a pressure that is higher than the normal ambient pressure. This takes place in a large space in which the pressure can be increased. Due to the increased pressure, your body can absorb approximately 12,5 times as much oxygen in the blood plasma as normal. The tissues that receive too little oxygen receive more oxygen as a result. The treatment ensures that, among other things, new blood vessels grow, pain complaints decrease and immune cells work better. It is an intensive treatment that usually consists of 30-40 sessions of 2 hours, for 6-8 weeks. It seems that some patients can improve, but relapse after treatment is also known. PLEASE NOTE: the effectiveness of this treatment has not yet been proven and is not reimbursed by health insurance. Research is currently being conducted.
In the long term, it could potentially provide a solution for patients with long-term cognitive disorders. More scientific research is needed to prove that this therapy can work post-COVID. NOTE: the effectiveness of this treatment has not yet been proven and is not reimbursed by health insurance. Research is currently being conducted (internationally).
No, this therapy is not reimbursed for post-COVID. The effectiveness of this treatment has not yet been proven. Research is currently being conducted (internationally).
Costs vary widely. 40 treatments cost thousands of euros and are at your own expense. NOTE: the effectiveness of this treatment has not yet been proven and is not reimbursed by health insurance. Research is currently being conducted (internationally).
No, C-support cannot refer you. We only provide advice, for medical referrals you should contact your GP or specialist. Referrals to clinics for hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the treatment of post-COVID are possible, however the effectiveness of this treatment has not yet been proven and is not reimbursed by health insurance. Research is currently being conducted.
Vaccinations
Yes, that is possible. Each year, the target groups for whom the vaccine is made available are determined. It is recommended that people with vulnerable health who are at greater risk of a serious infection (severe acute course of illness with increased risk of hospitalization, ICU admission or death) and healthcare workers who work with these vulnerable people. There are no indications that people with post-COVID have a high risk of hospitalization, ICU admission or death due to corona, which is why they do not fall under the target group. However, people who want a vaccination for individual reasons can make an appointment at the GGD for a vaccination.
Based on scientific research, the RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment) has determined that vaccination should be given to groups at higher risk of serious illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. These are people aged 60 and over and younger people with underlying health conditions who also receive the invitation for the annual flu shot. These are people with heart or lung disease, diabetes, kidney disease, or other conditions that weaken their immune system. For people with post-COVID-19 infections, a disrupted immune response likely plays a role, but there is currently insufficient evidence that they are more likely to experience a more severe course of the acute illness (i.e., a higher risk of hospitalization, ICU admission, or death) upon re-infection. Therefore, post-COVID-19 is not an indication for vaccination. An exception to this is the group of people who have demonstrable lung damage (as assessed by CT scan and/or lung function) from a previous COVID-19 infection. This also includes people who developed asthma after their previous COVID-19 infection. These two groups are also being invited for flu vaccinations by the Municipal Health Service (GGD).
The reaction to a vaccination can vary each time. It is therefore difficult to predict whether and which side effects you will develop after vaccination. Most complaints after vaccination are mild and short-lived. The most common side effects are fever, fatigue, headache and muscle pain. We now know from research that vaccination can also have an effect on post-COVID complaints. In most cases, vaccination does not have a major effect on existing complaints, although this is difficult to predict individually. Improvement of complaints in general is more common than worsening of complaints. The choice of whether or not to vaccinate remains an individual consideration and is personal. If you decide to vaccinate, ensure a good balance between activities and rest in the days surrounding the vaccination.
There has been very limited research into this, with varying results. Patient experiences show that vaccination sometimes has a (temporary) effect on post-COVID complaints, both positively and negatively. However, re-infection also gives a chance of (temporary) deterioration. The choice of whether or not to vaccinate remains an individual consideration and is personal. If you still have doubts about (re)vaccination, you can always consult your treating (family) doctor and/or C-support. You can also call the Doubt Phone, available daily between 8.30:13.00 am and 088:7 pm on 555-777 XNUMX XNUMX (also English, Turkish and Arabic).
No, if you are otherwise healthy, you will not receive an invitation for the annual flu shot. Only older people aged 60 and over and younger people with underlying diseases will receive an invitation. An exception to this is the group of people who have demonstrable lung damage (by a CT scan and/or lung function) after a previous corona infection. This also includes people who have developed asthma after their previous COVID-19 infection.
If you would like to get the flu shot because you are afraid that the flu could worsen your long-term symptoms, you can discuss this with your GP. Often, if there are sufficient vaccines available at your GP or pharmacy, you can get a flu shot at your own request. This will incur costs for you. A flu shot only helps against getting sick from the influenza virus. There are also many other cold viruses in circulation. The flu shot does not protect against these.
- Practice good hand hygiene and ask your household members and visitors to do the same.
- Avoid contact with people who have symptoms consistent with a respiratory infection (such as coughing, sneezing, sore throat and a runny or runny nose).
- If contact is necessary, remember to wear a face mask, practice extra hand hygiene and sneeze or cough into your elbow.
- Ensure adequate ventilation of indoor areas.
Paxlovid is registered in the Netherlands for the group of high-risk patients, to reduce the chance of a more serious acute course of a COVID infection (hospitalization, ICU admission or death) in the event of (re)infection. At this time, there is insufficient scientific evidence that starting Paxlovid in people with post-COVID, at the time of (re)infection, leads to a less serious course or relapse. That is why post-COVID is not included in the group of high-risk patients who have an indication to receive this at the time of (re)infection. There is also no scientific basis for using Paxlovid for the treatment of post-COVID, although this is currently being investigated. In the Netherlands, there is currently no possibility for people with post-COVID to qualify for Paxlovid on an individual basis, with the help of a general practitioner or another doctor.
Work and Income
No, the WIA assessment takes place after two years. No exception is made for post-COVID patients. However, it was possible for an employer to receive a subsidy for the extension of a third year of illness for people who became ill between March 2020 and December 2020. This subsidy scheme no longer applies. Employers can voluntarily choose to extend a third year of illness, but they must then continue to pay at their own expense. Sometimes this happens when people have almost fully built up hours. More information about the WIA can be found on the Method.
Ask for a second opinion from another company doctor. Do this in consultation with your aftercare advisor. You can also point out to the company doctor the NVAB guidelines for occupational physicians (own professional group), which provides an explanation, vision and tools for the company doctor for people with post-COVID complaints.
It is important to find a good balance between the workload and your own resilience. To support you in this you can:
- Online training SterQ at work doing
- Watch this one videos about energy and recovery
- View information, tips and tools on the Method
You will have to report yourself (partly) sick to your employer. The Gatekeeper Improvement Act sets out all the steps that you and your employer must take.
If you have reported sick, you and your employer must take steps to ensure that you can return to work. This is called reintegration. The rules that you and your employer must adhere to are set out in the Gatekeeper Improvement Act. You are required to cooperate with your reintegration. You will therefore have to do everything you can to return to the workplace as quickly as possible. Together with your employer, you are responsible for keeping your absence as short as possible and speeding up your reintegration. There are several steps that have been laid down:
The occupational expert is a specialist in the field of people, work and income. He or she often comes into the picture after the first-year evaluation in which the company doctor has drawn up an employability profile (IZP) stating what the possibilities are. The occupational expert translates the burden of your function into the capacity as determined by the company doctor. The occupational expert then goes through the following 4 questions:
- is your own work appropriate?
- Can your own work be made suitable with adjustments/facilities?
- Is there any other suitable work within the organization?
- Are there any other suitable opportunities outside the organization?
If you are still unable to work (partly) after two years of being (partly) ill, you will have to deal with the WIA. WIA stands for: Work and Income (Capacity for Work) Act.
- Watch this short animation;
- Frequently asked questions about WIA and Long COVID
- You can read more about the WIA on the Method
No. Drawing up medical reports requires specific occupational or medical expertise. For this you can call on one of the many consultancy firms. Ask your legal advisor at your union, the legal desk or the legal aid insurer which consultancy firms you can consult. C-support does not carry out these expertises itself. However, your aftercare advisor can help you find the right path.
Children and young people
Schedule a periodic progress meeting at school to evaluate progress and make agreements for the adapted education to be followed. The occupational therapist and/or practitioner of your child or young person can support you in this, in the context of personal resilience. Seezon can support your child at school. When a student has a long-term, chronic or life-threatening condition with (possible) consequences for their school career, it is possible to Consultant Education for Sick Students (OZL) to be activated. This can provide temporary assistance and guidance to the school, the parents and the student. The OZL consultant provides or supports, among other things:
- contact between school, hospital, student and parents;
- information and advice to teachers about teaching sick students;
- information for teachers, parents, (healthcare) professionals and classmates about dealing with sick pupils;
- education and guidance of the sick pupil at home, in hospital and at school;
- (organizing) lessons at home or in the hospital together with the school, if the school's own teachers are unable to do this;
- information about diseases and their possible consequences for school performance;
- creating an action plan for the sick student together with the school.
NB: There are children and young people who are unable to go to school or to build up activities. The advice given in this answer does not apply to this group of children.
The school has a duty of care as soon as a pupil has been registered in writing (from the age of 3). When a pupil is registered at a school and parents register at another school, the school where the child was most recently registered has the duty of care. The parents of pupils who need extra support are sometimes referred from one school to another without a school admitting their child because there has not yet been a written registration. This is undesirable and also has consequences. Read on the website of the education inspectorate what the school's duty of care entails
According to the Appropriate Education Act, schools must realize appropriate education in the most efficient and effective way possible for all students who need extra support. Under this law, schools are responsible for finding a suitable place for these students, the so-called duty of care. The appropriate education duty of care has 3 goals:
- clearly assigning responsibilities;
- relieve parents;
- prevent staying at home.
- the own school;
- another regular school if the school of choice cannot provide the necessary assistance;
- a school for special primary education;
- a school for special education;
- or other special provision.
It is often an individual battle between parents and school, for recognition of post-COVID complaints and for Appropriate Education. What are these children entitled to? What care is there for these children?
- In consultation with the education consultant who is connected to your child's school, the possibilities for appropriate education are discussed. Think of home education, class contact, KPN home education, extra support for children with an educational disadvantage, possibly by a remedial teacher.
- If the school is unable to act, which means that it cannot provide appropriate education and/or your child has suffered too great an educational disadvantage, a referral to special education (SO Cluster 3) will be advised. In the case of seriously ill children, there are no taxable possibilities. For example, PEM of POTSIn that case, any reference has no added value.
If you do not agree with the school about the support needed or whether or not to transfer your child to special (primary) education, you can take action. For more information, see oudersenonderwijs.nl of onderwijsconsulenten.nl
Children with Long COVID fall under authorized absence. The youth doctor, also called school doctor, is the designated person to formulate advice through discussions with the parents, student, school and any advice from an occupational therapist. A (resilience) statement is not necessary. The resilience of a child with Long COVID can vary greatly per day and week. If a statement states that the resilience has a certain duration and a child has a relapse (or PEM), then a tax liability declaration on paper can put parents in a difficult position.
Advice based on insights from the youth doctor who coordinates this with the child or young person, parents, school and if necessary in consultation with therapists and the truancy officer is sufficient for compulsory education. Together we can look at whether and how appropriate participation in education can be resumed. See also advice on school participation after corona measures expire.
The youth doctor works within a youth healthcare team and collaborates with the neighborhood team. In the event of long-term absenteeism due to illness, the school contacts the youth healthcare service (JGZ), and parents can also submit questions there. The youth doctor is bound by medical confidentiality. If necessary, the youth doctor can, with the permission of the student and parents, request information from the treating physician of the young person and/or the vulnerable family member.
The term resilience is not always used consistently by professionals at school, youth health care, and compulsory education. It therefore regularly leads to discussion. That is why this document drawn up to clarify the role of the JGZ in assessing the resilience of sick-reported young people.
It is important to pay attention to the limitations/complaints of a child or young person. C-support can support you by sharing information about Long COVID with a party. You can ask the school to contact C-Support about this. Discuss the options with your aftercare advisor at C-Support. You can also contact a consultant from Education Group Sick Students OZL.
In the event of a Safe Home report, it is always appropriate to enter into a conversation with Safe Home, no matter how unjustified the report may feel. For more information about their working methods, see safehome.nl Tips:
- Get well informed about what the report is about. Try to discuss unexplained complaints that arise from Long COVID and/or areas where this has an effect. Explain what this looks like and what this does to your child.
- Always remain in conversation with the relevant agency that Veilig Thuis uses to investigate whether and what kind of help is appropriate. For example, a neighborhood team, youth worker or social worker. This is not there to work against you, but to jointly look at possibilities that can be helpful.
- You can at the BIVKZ right with questions. They represent the interests of parents and chronically, seriously ill or care-intensive children at VT Notifications in the Netherlands.
File formation Safe at Home:
Veilig Thuis is legally obliged to enter into a conversation with the directly involved parties within 5 working days. If the suspicions are not correct and there are no concerns about safety (domestic violence or child abuse), the report is refuted and Veilig Thuis ends its involvement. There are then no further steps. The reporter is informed whether or not the report will be processed. If Veilig Thuis itself enters into a conversation with the family or household, Veilig Thuis always provides feedback to the reporter at the end of its involvement. The file will be retained unless an active request is made to destroy the file. In subsequent reports, it is always checked whether there is already a file. If there is a file and the report has been refuted and no steps have been taken as a result, no new investigation will be conducted. A file is kept for 15 years.So far, there are no known medical treatments, in the treatment of the cause of Long COVID, that are scientifically proven. Paramedical recovery care may contribute to recovery and relief of complaints. For children, the possibilities are (child) occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech therapy, dietetics and psychological guidance. In this case, it is highly recommended to work with care providers who have knowledge of Long COVID.
- There are children with Long COVID who are struggling with PEM of POTS where gradual build-up is not possible. Exertion leads to worsening of the symptoms.
- The seriously disabling limitations that arise from physical complaints can lead to psychological complaints, not the other way around.
- Scientific research in children Overview of studies on COVID-19, MIS-C and Children.
- ZonMW research on children – VINCERE study Long COVID complaints in children and their impact on daily functioning are mapped. The final analysis also examines whether vaccination has (had) an effect on Long COVID complaints. Original project description
- RIVM research Research among families and young people about the course of the disease.
- Guidelines Dutch Association for Pediatrics (NVK) This describes the diagnosis and treatment of children with Long COVID. An update of the guideline is currently being worked on.
For questions about psychological and social problems:
- Digital Help Guide: points the way in psychological and social problems in various domains where questions arise, including:
- Need a listening ear
- Help with personal problems
- Meaningful life and social assistance
- Youth Health Care (JGZ): within a municipality, the JGZ is concerned with the health, development and growth of your child. You can go here for free advice, information, basic medical care and support in growing up and raising children. This also includes the Consultation Bureau for children aged 0-4 and GGD Youth Health Care for children aged 4-18.
- Center for Youth and Family (CJG): offers help and advice on parenting issues. It is a place where parents, children and professionals can go with questions about health, growing up and parenting.
- Youth help online: here you will find more than 20 helplines that offer you fast, anonymous and free support. Via chat, phone or email. Reliable and professional.
- Mentally vital: (part of the Trimbos Institute) provides information about mental health, offers exercises and helps you find help.
For questions about educational support:
- Network Ziezon: support for sick children in education. The network also offers a lot of knowledge and information for parents, teachers, school boards and partnerships.
- Parents & Education: information about education and more for parents with school-age children.
- Partnership for appropriate education: information about appropriate education, the working methods and additional support options for parents with school-age children.
- Carefree to School Foundation – practical tips: tailor-made at school for pupils (primary/secondary education) and students (vocational education) with a chronic illness. Here is a your guides with tips for making practical arrangements with the school.
- Carefree to School Foundation – distance learning: distance learning options for pupils/students who can only attend school/training for a few hours. With a route map for students for whom distance learning could be a good solution.
- OZL – Educational Support for Sick Students: looking for opportunities to offer sick students the right form of education. Regional care: educational support in Gelderland, Brabant and Limburg.
- Educational consultants: if parents have a dispute with the primary care facility (collaboration), they can contact an education consultant. This person supports the advocacy of the child and talks to parents, school, municipality and/or collaboration to find solutions and appropriate care.
- NJI educational care arrangement: especially for children who need educational and care support, there is a collaboration between education and youth care and parents. The development of the child at school is central. Educational-care arrangements are available for individual children and for groups of children.
For questions about development support:
- Youth care under the Youth Act: for children and young people there is the Youth Act. This act regulates almost all care and support for children and young people under the age of 18. Here you can find out how to apply for youth care and what it entails. Sometimes care for young people is also provided under the Health Insurance Act, the Long-term Care Act or the Wmo.
- Regulation assistance for care children: does your child have an illness, disability (such as EMB) or developmental delay? Then various forms of help and support are possible. Also look at: Regulation assistance Wmo youth.
- Wlz care for youth: the Long-term Care Act regulates care for people who need lifelong and life-wide support, at home or in a care institution. Children and young people can also receive Wlz care if they meet the conditions.
- Integrated Early Help: for questions about developmental delays and/or behavioral problems in young children up to 8 years of age.
- Network Ziezon – brochure for teachers about Long COVID: advice regarding education for students who struggle with this.
- Lesopsence.nl: organizing distance education. Intended for school leaders and teachers.
- Support Center for Appropriate Education: supports schools in implementing appropriate education in practice.
- Education and Development Netherlands: Onderwijsontwikkeling Nederland is the association of consultancy firms for education. The members of Onderwijsontwikkeling Nederland form a close-knit, nationwide network.
- Care for children and young people Mental Health Care: for primary school teachers who deal with psychological problems in children.
- Inquire at the WMO counter in your municipality to find out which facilities your child is entitled to.
- Parents of chronically ill children can apply for double child benefit at the social insurance bank.
- For young people there is a provision for the performance grant in special circumstances: a special arrangement in the event of illness or disability.
- On the website mbotoegankelijk.nl en www.hogeronderwijstoegankelijk.nl contains information about studying with a disability or chronic illness and information about what facilities are available. There is also information on www.regelhulp.nl
- If you are still able to study, but you are no longer able to work in addition to your studies, you may be eligible for a apply for a study grant in your municipality.
Log in to C-support
Yes, there is always a waiting time, this can vary. Check this page for the current waiting times.
You can register with C-support if you still have complaints three months or more after your corona infection. These complaints vary greatly. Some people are mainly tired or cannot concentrate well. But physical complaints such as headaches, muscle pain, joint pain and shortness of breath are also common. Or mental complaints such as anxiety and depression. We also see problems at work, for example because people have to return to work too quickly. Or precisely because they have been ill for a year or more and are therefore also getting into financial trouble. We look at all the consequences of the complaints you have. And what is needed to improve your situation.
No, you can register with C-support if you had corona three months or more ago and still have symptoms. C-support is specifically for this group of people. You can view our advice for dealing with corona. Most people recover within three months. This can be done with paramedical recovery care. This includes physiotherapy, exercise therapy, occupational therapy, dietetics and speech therapy after a corona infection. Read more about this here paramedical recovery care.
Yes, you can always register with C-support if you still have complaints three months or more after your corona infection.
You can register with C-support if you had corona three months or more ago and still have symptoms. C-support is specifically for this group of people.
No, you do not pay any costs for the help you receive from C-support. Does your aftercare advisor advise you physiotherapy or other treatments? Always contact your health insurer. They can tell you more about the reimbursements you receive for certain care.
Online file Solvio
Solvio works easiest on your laptop or PC. C-support has created the following manuals:
- Create an account in Solvio
- Solvio PC or laptop
- Solvio mobile devices
No, you do not have to pay anything for Solvio.
It is possible that you have forgotten your password or that your Solvio password no longer works after a period of time. Due to security policy, Solvio requests that you create a new password after a period of inactivity of 6 months. In both cases, you can create a new password by taking the following steps:
- Go to the Solvio login page and click on the link 'I can no longer log in'.
- Enter your username or email address and click 'Submit'.
- You will receive an email that will allow you to reset your account.
- Go to the login page of Solvio.
- Enter your username and password and click the Login button.
- You will receive a verification code via email or a special app. This is a personal code that provides additional security to your account.
- Enter the verification code and click the Verify button.
First read the manual 'creating an account in Solvio' on this page on our website. Check out the frequently asked questions on the Solvio website or the answer to your question is listed here. If you cannot find the answer, please contact the Solvio helpdesk: 050 210 02 55. The helpdesk is available from Monday to Friday from 08.00:18.00 to XNUMX:XNUMX. Solvio employees cannot help you with substantive questions, they do not have access to your file. In that case, please contact the C-support secretariat: 0734400440. The secretariat can be reached from Monday to Thursday from 09.00:17.00 to 09.00:13.00 and Friday from XNUMX:XNUMX to XNUMX:XNUMX.
Contact your aftercare advisor to send a new link. Do you no longer have the telephone number of your aftercare advisor? Then call (during working days) the secretariat at 073 4400 440, they will connect you.
Personal overview questionnaire
As a participant in the Multi-year Long COVID study, you will receive a copy one year after completing the 2e questionnaire an invitation for the new questionnaire. If you participated in March last year, it will take more than a year. The first invitations for the questionnaire will be sent out at the end of April.
After completing the questionnaire, it will take several weeks before the personal overview is in Solvio. At the moment, we are renewing the personal overview. When it is ready and in Solvio, you will receive a message about this.
Yes, you will receive an invitation for the questionnaire for the personal overview in the course of 2024. First, the current participants of the Multi-year Long COVID study will receive an invitation, then other people who are registered with C-support will follow.
Yes, you can give permission for your data to be used only for personal overview, optimizing our services and knowledge sharing with (healthcare) professionals.
Yes, you can stop your participation and withdraw your consent at any time. In this case, please send an email to: research@c-support.nu. Indicate in the email that you are withdrawing your consent. You do not need to explain why you are stopping. The data that has been used cannot be retrieved or destroyed. This data will remain anonymously available to the person conducting the research.
The questionnaire data will be used for:
- compiling your personal overview;
- compiling average personal overviews and summaries for interested parties;
- optimizing C-support services and sharing knowledge;
- conducting scientific research in collaboration with other parties. For this we ask you for permission separately.
That is not yet known at this time. We will store the data for future scientific research in collaboration with other parties such as universities and hospitals. This will involve research into the nature and course of post-COVID or other post-infectious conditions:
- research that may lead to better diagnosis of post-COVID or other post-infectious conditions;
- research that can better predict the course of post-COVID or other post-infectious conditions;
- research that can contribute to the development of new treatments.
No, data will be transferred anonymously; your name, address and contact details will not be shared. Sharing your anonymous data will only happen after you have given permission for this.
- You can do the questionnaire in parts. Save the results after a few questions and continue at a later time. You can return to the questionnaire with the link from the invitation. Continue where you left off.
- Ask someone to read the questions out loud and fill in your answers for you.
Yes, that is possible. However, we advise you to use a laptop or PC. Preferably use Google Chrome.
Multi-year Long COVID research C-support
You can no longer participate in this study.
No, that is no longer possible. Only people who participated in year 1 of the study could participate in year 2.
Yes, for patients the study consists only of filling in a questionnaire. After you have filled it in, you will receive a personal overview of your own results.
- Yes, young people aged 16 and over can complete the questionnaire themselves.
- For children under the age of 16, you as a parent(s) complete the questionnaire.
You will automatically receive a message half an hour after you have completed the questionnaire that your overview is ready in your online file in Solvio. How do you find your personal overview in Solvio?
- Log in to Solvio
- Go to 'my files'
- Click on your name (see circle in image below: the gray bar does not appear 'clickable' but it is).
- Go to 'Documents and attachments'
- Download the file 'personal overview'
Go to the personal overview in Solvio
- Click on 'Download'
- At 'print' -> destination choose 'Save as PDF'
- Save document to hard drive or external drive to print from there
- Please note: remember/note where the file is saved on your computer so you can find the document again to print.
No, unfortunately the research is not suitable for people who have long-term complaints after vaccination. The questionnaire was developed for people with long-term complaints after a COVID-19 infection.
(Healthcare) professionals
Background
In some patients with post-COVID-19, evidence has been found for persistent changes in the coagulation system for months after acute SARS-CoV-2 infection [1,3]. Observational studies show that the risk of venous thromboembolic complications may remain elevated in the post-acute phase, particularly in the first three to six months after infection [3]. At the same time, there is considerable heterogeneity between patients and a lack of robust interventional research supporting routine anticoagulation in post-COVID-19 [1,2].Pathophysiological considerations
Jing et al. describe that some post-COVID patients experience persistent endothelial inflammation and impaired blood clotting, which may contribute to a long-term increased risk of thrombosis [2]. In addition, elevated D-dimer levels are described in a subgroup for up to four to twelve months after infection, possibly related to persistent inflammation and immunothrombosis [2]. Crook et al. place these findings in a broader context of long-term vascular and inflammatory dysregulation after COVID-19, in which endothelial damage, inflammation, and coagulation activation mutually reinforce each other [1].Therapeutic implications
Jing notes that based on these findings, anticoagulation seems an obvious treatment option, but clinical trials are needed to develop concrete recommendations [2]. Currently, there are no randomized controlled trials supporting routine prophylactic anticoagulation in post-COVID [1,2]. Results from studies in acute COVID-19 or post-hospital discharge cannot simply be extrapolated to patients with post-COVID in the primary care or chronic phase [2].Clinical policy
Based on current knowledge, routine anticoagulation in post-COVID patients without additional risk factors is not recommended [1,2]. Anticoagulation can be considered in individual patients with a clear indication, such as a previous venous thromboembolism, active malignancy, severe immobility, or a combination of significantly elevated coagulation markers and clinical risk factors [2,3]. Antiplatelet therapy, such as acetylsalicylic acid, is not recommended without an existing cardiovascular indication [1,2]. In clinical practice, vigilance and easily accessible diagnostics in suspected thrombosis are preferred over prophylactic treatment [1]. Additionally, it is advisable to identify and, where possible, treat other thrombotic risk factors.Closing note
Post-COVID-19 can be associated with long-term prothrombotic changes, but it remains unclear whether anticoagulation is a meaningful intervention [1–3]. Decision-making should be individualized and risk-driven.Sources [1] Crook H. et al. Long COVID: mechanisms, risk factors and management. Journal of Medical Virology, 2021. [2] Jing Z. et al. Long COVID: pathophysiological mechanisms and therapeutic strategies. Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy, 2022. [3] Katsoularis I. et al. Risk of venous thromboembolism following COVID-19. BMJ, 2022.
We regularly receive questions from healthcare providers about the off-label use of LDN in post-COVID patients. This is often prompted by a patient's request to their (family) doctor to prescribe the drug. As a healthcare professional, please consider: here. for more information on the use and prescription of LDN.
Yes. There is a brochure in simple language and there is one poster in simple language available. An animation has also been made in which the information, which corresponds to that from the folder, is explained. You can find this via this link view. It explains what Long COVID / post-COVID is. What complaints most people have. What someone can go to C-support and PostCovid NL for and what they can do for a patient.
Yes. There is information in 11 different languages about what Long COVID / post-COVID is. What kind of complaints most people have. What someone can go to C-support and PostCovid NL for. And what they can do for a patient. This is on www.c-support.nu/talen. There is also a toolkit with materials for non-native speakers and low-literates. This can be found here: www.c-support.nu/toolkit-voor-communication-in-multiple-languages/ If desired, C-support will activate an interpreter telephone if there is contact with someone who speaks another language.
We have contact with a number of academic hospitals about scientific research that is ongoing there. Furthermore, our medical advisors contact the treating physicians in the hospital, if necessary. They always do this in consultation with the patient.
Yes, that is possible. Fill in the form here contact form. in. One of our medical advisors will then contact you.
Patients can register themselves with C-support via our website, you do not need to refer them. Patients who still have complaints more than three months after a Covid-19 infection can register with us. We provide advice if, for example, there are questions about persistent complaints, recovery care or problems at work. We do not provide direct medical treatment.
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