A pilot project launched by the Ministry of Health has been running in Mondorf-les-Bains to treat so-called long-Covid patients since mid-August.
25-year-old Nicolas Grandidier is the youngest of the four patients that are currently treated in Mondorf for three weeks. His Covid-19 infection only lasted three days in October, but he still faces the consequences to this day: loss of smell, concentration issues, and severe fatigue.
Nowadays, the former referee struggles with more than 15 minutes of exercise. In his three-week therapeutic stay, muscle build-up is part of the programme, which also includes smell training for long-Covid patients. Twice a day, the sensory nerves are stimulated during this practice, which reportedly brings back the sense of smell for 80% of the patients.
Mireille Mulheims is 53 years old and was hospitalised for ten days last autumn because of Covid-19. She struggles with breathing, but did not suffer from oxygen deficiency. Since then, the mother of four has been plagued with fatigue, saying she can barely keep up with the children’s homework and activities after work. She also can no longer sing, even though it is her passion. Here at the thermal baths, she has been prescribed breathing classes, and she seems to be experiencing her first signs of progress.
Like all long-Covid patients, Mireille gets psychological counsellors and nutritionists during therapy. She also participates in muscle building and fitness training. Lymphatic drainage is also on the programme, but these are individually adapted to the patient.
Three to four sessions are scheduled in the morning. While Nicolas rests at home afterwards, Mireille spends her week at the hotel in Mondorf.
For three weeks, the therapy is covered by health insurance if the patient has a prescription from the doctor. At the CHL, a case manager decides whether the patient will be treated at the CHL, at the rehabilitation centre or at the thermal spa. After the three weeks, a reference is made.
The thermal bath in Mondorf is expecting ten more long-Covid patients soon.
