Pima County Health Department launching new Long COVID campaign

PIMA COUNTY (August 27, 2023) —

The Pima County Health Department is rolling out a new campaign aimed at breaking down the complexities of Long COVID, the variety of health complications that can result after a COVID-19 infection. The campaign aims to use relatable humor and comic storytelling to educate the community about Long COVID and how to prevent it. 

“Long COVID is serious and not to be taken lightly,” said County Communications Director Mark B. Evans. “But it’s also not well-understood. Because a lot of the public has COVID-information-fatigue, the usual matter-of-fact messaging can make people tune out. Humor and whimsy can be effective ways to overcome the staid usual and deliver information in a fresh way that helps the public grasp the seriousness of COVID and the risks of Long COVID. That’s why we’ve developed this comic version of the disease that we hope brings a smile along with awareness and understanding.”  

In this campaign, Long COVID is depicted as a “stretched out” version of the regular COVID virus. Through its “misadventures,” readers can learn more about the illness, who it impacts, and how to prevent it.  

Tucson Comic-Con attendees can get a close look at this campaign Aug. 30-Sept. 1 at the Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave. Visit the booth upstairs near the Tabletop Gaming area and take a photo with Long COVID. 

Eventually the comics will appear on County social media pages, various advertisements in local media, and people will see the character in a costume walking around at future PCHD events. 

The comics will introduce these main points: 

  1. Anyone who has had a COVID-19 infection can experience Long COVID, including children.  
  2. Long COVID can include a wide range of ongoing symptoms and conditions that can last weeks, months, or even years after having COVID-19. The severity of Long COVID can vary from person to person and range from mild to debilitating.

    Some of the most common symptoms include: 

  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Brain fog
  • Dizziness
  • Chest pain
  • Depression or anxiety

 A longer list can be found on pima.gov/longcovid 

3. Long COVID is a serious illness that can result in chronic conditions. People, especially those who suffered a severe COVID-19 infection, can develop new health conditions, including diabetes, heart conditions, and blood clots.

4. COVID-19 vaccination is the best way to prevent Long COVID. COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective in preventing the most severe outcomes from a COVID-19 infection, including Long COVID. All eligible people over 6 months should get an updated COVID-19 vaccine this fall.

5. YOU can help us beat COVID! Studies are underway to get a better idea about Long COVID, including one right here in Pima County. The University of Arizona is conducting the CoVHORT research and surveillance study right now. The more we learn, the better we can understand how to protect our community. Visit the website to join or to learn more about Long COVID: covhort.arizona.edu 

Evans said the hope with this comic is to help prevent future cases of Long COVID in Pima County. “We know that COVID is now endemic to the world, but we are hoping that with our designs we might be able to reduce the occurrence of Long COVID in our community,” he said. 

For more information about Long COVID, the CoVHORT study and more, visit pima.gov/longcovid.