Why are you involved in Altea's Expert Board?
We are on the periphery of Switzerland. That’s why I’m interested in exchanging views across cantonal borders. The Expert Board offers a platform for that. With Long COVID we’re not only confronted with medical questions, but also with a lot of administrative issues: reports for health insurance companies, about ability to work and so on. It’s a lot of work. So, it’s useful to be able to discuss that too.
In addition to that, I hope that, via Altea, we’ll be able to generate more understanding for those affected. What is behind Long COVID? Why are we reticent about certain therapeutic procedures? What are our thoughts? In this way, Altea can take on the role of an information hub.
«I draw from my experience with ME/CFS.»
What is your professional relationship to Long COVID?
I lead the Long COVID clinic at the Cantonal Hospital of Graubünden, so I have frequent contact with those affected. Before the pandemic even started, I led the ME/CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) clinic at our hospital. As there are many parallels between Long COVID and ME/CFS, particularly with regard to Fatigue and the importance of Pacing, I can draw from this experience.
Gregory Fretz, Head Doctor at the Cantonal Hospital or Graubünden. (Photo: made available)
What is your experience with Long COVID so far?
From the medical point of view it’s exciting, because you start to understand things better. When it comes to the course of the illness, it’s nice to see that many people are seeing improvements, even though they need to be very patient. On a personal level I’m extremely impressed by how those affected deal with the huge frustration that Long COVID can bring. They want to work, to carry on as before, but for weeks or even months they are deprived of their normal lives. It’s impressive to witness.
«A better understanding of the various subgroups of Long COVID will take us further.»
How do you see the future with regards to Long COVID?
Research has intensified significantly, which can also help people affected by CFS. I would hope for a better understanding of the various subgroups of Long COVID, which we call ‘phenotypes’. We are seeing different clinical pictures, different biomarkers, which mean different forms of treatment and medication are required. The better we get at understanding the different mechanisms, the more targeted our help can become. But the development of treatments is naturally a long-drawn-out process.
Recharging his batteries surrounded by nature: a picture from Unterengadin. (Photo: Gregory Fretz)
What are you enthusiastic about as a private person?
It’s quite easy to get me enthusiastic! I work on a voluntary basis in a hotel in Unterengadin and campaign for affordable housing in that region, so that it remains accessible to local people and businesses despite the influence of Zurich prices. That makes me happy. Things that feed the senses, such as cooking and eating, an awful lot of reading, being outside, hiking. And family, of course! We have four children, who are almost all of school-age already. That really keeps us on our toes, of course.
Gregory Fretz is a specialist in internal medicine and pulmonology. He leads the Medical Polyclinic at the Cantonal Hospital of Graubünden. He and his team also run the Long COVID clinic.
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