ABSTRACT
Long COVID (LC), a new multiple-symptom syndrome, may occur in a large number of people after SARS-CoV-2. Most frequent symptoms include breathing problems, fatigue and cognitive impairments. LC needs to be in focus: research to understand its causes and develop appropriate therapies is needed. Yet, affected people have for long felt alone, with concerns and without guidelines. Altea Long COVID Network was developed to address these needs. The goal of Altea is to improve the quality of life of people with LC by providing science- and practice-based expertise, professional and empathetic support, and by enabling the free exchange of experiences between all target audiences. Altea was built with the contribution of those affected, health professionals and researchers, and provides practical tips for symptom management, information on the last updates regarding LC, as well as a Community, where all target audiences can communicate with each other in an interdisciplinary, respectful, and safe environment. Altea was launched in January 2021. The Website went live in April 2021. By now 1'496 people subscribed to the Newsletter, there were 50'000 visits, 221'000 page views, and 11'000 downloads. Countries where people visit from are CH, DE, IT, USA, AUT, FR, NL, GB, ES, and many others. In July 2021 the Altea Community was opened and has today 1146 subscribers. A survey is planned to examine to what extent Altea contributed to improve people's quality of life and develop therapies. Altea acts as mediator among the different target audiences that can use it to share knowledge and experiences. This accelerates the processes to develop therapies and treatments for people with Long COVID.