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Freelance journalist Maren Sæbø first thought she had only caught the usual flu when she suddenly became very ill in mid-March.
Sæbø had no underlying illnesses before, but nine months later she is still struggling with fatigue, dizziness and a lack of energy.
– I still have a lot of problems in daily life and I have to make sure I don’t try too hard. Then they’ll knock me down completely, Sæbø tells TV 2.
Big dark numbers
When the coronavirus first hit Norway in March, there were strict requirements on who could get tested.
The Norwegian Health Directorate says this likely led to large dark numbers. More than 48,000 Norwegians may have been infected in March without being caught.
Most of the people who got sick in the first wave have long since recovered.
But for Maren Sæbø, the problems have been persistent.
– Fortunately, I have improved a bit in the last month, but I still suffer from a lot of fatigue and low energy. I just have to take the time to use it and be patient, says Sæbø.
After several visits to the doctor, Sæbø was diagnosed with postviral fatigue and is currently receiving treatment for late injuries. However, no one knows for sure if he has had a crown or not.
It also affects young and healthy
Most people who are diagnosed with the coronavirus recover within two weeks, but Dr. Christina Fredheim Stangeland says that about one in ten experience late injuries.
– There are many things that we do not know yet, but for some these ailments can last several months, says Stangeland.
GETS HEALTHY: Stangeland emphasizes that most people who become infected with corona become completely healthy. Photo: TV 2
Those with late injuries often experience reduced lung capacity, fatigue, weakened muscles, and persistent loss of taste and smell.
Stangeland believes that even young people who do not have any underlying disease can have a prolonged course of disease and late injuries.
– When you find out about Maren Sæbø’s ailments, how likely do you think it is that she had a crown?
– It is difficult to comment, because there are also other infectious diseases that can cause persistent fatigue. But given that it fits well with the times, it’s probably reasonable to believe it, says Stangeland, who is also a board member of the Norwegian Association of General Medicine.
Hoping to improve
Maren Sæbø is still trying to understand why she has been ill for so long and hopes that she can be fully healthy soon.
– I’ve been ill for nine months now, that’s enough. Lately I have seen a clear improvement and I think I am on my way to make a full recovery, says Sæbø.
It will encourage others to take the coronavirus seriously.
– I have a great understanding that many are tired of restrictions and infection control. At the same time, I have experienced that you can get very sick without having any underlying illness. We should all be aware of that, says Sæbø.
