Nice Acti’Santé launches its support system for “long Covid” patients. Registration begins this Wednesday.
After a Covid-19 episode, a number of patients continue to experience symptoms beyond five weeks post-infection, sometimes for several months.
These symptoms can appear in various forms and may fluctuate: fatigue, neurological problems (cognitive, sensory, headaches), loss of smell and taste, anxiety or depressive disorders up to post-traumatic stress, cardio-thoracic and respiratory issues with, at times, a loss of “how to breathe”.
However, these symptoms are reversible. A multidisciplinary approach (rest, psychological support, respiratory or olfactory rehabilitation, gradual re-training in exercise) is essential, combined with symptom treatments.
Recognized as a “Sport-Health Center” by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and the Ministry of Sports, the “Nice Acti’Santé” program of the City of Nice offers residents experiencing prolonged Covid-19 symptoms a new 12-week program. For better management, it combines tailored physical activity* with psychological support and dietary monitoring.
Patients referred to the program by their general practitioner or specialist will receive individualized care from the program’s team, including: an assessment of physical condition and a motivational interview at the beginning and end of the program, as well as an individual session with a psychologist and a dietician in person or remotely.
24 sessions of adapted physical activity, conducted in groups in person and independently at home, primarily focused on improving cardio-respiratory function.
They must present a medical prescription for adapted physical activity issued by their general practitioner or specialist, as well as a certificate of no contraindication to participating in sports.
Physical activity sessions will start on Monday, April 19, as follows:
- Monday from 11 AM to 12 PM or from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM at Centre Animanice Gorbella (Nice North).
- Tuesday from 11 AM to 12 PM or from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM at Centre Animanice Constanzo (Port République).
- Friday from 11 AM to 12 PM at Parc des Sports Charles Ehrmann (Nice West).
Doctors seeking details about this program to refer their patients can also contact the dedicated email.
Physical activity is recognized as a non-drug therapy in its own right for many chronic conditions. This is why the French National Authority for Health (HAS) recommends the resumption of physical activity tailored to the patient’s capacity as soon as possible, in order to curb the phenomenon of prolonged Covid-19 symptoms.
