Hermione Norris Opens Up About Long Covid Experience
Actress Hermione Norris, best known for her role as Karen Marsden in the cult 1990s drama Cold Feet, has publicly revealed her personal battle with long Covid. The 59-year-old star described the condition as giving her "a shock" and significantly altering her perception of her own physical capabilities.
The Physical Toll of Long Covid
Norris explained that she contracted long Covid several years ago, experiencing symptoms that persisted well beyond the initial infection period. According to NHS guidelines, long Covid is defined as symptoms lasting longer than 12 weeks after the initial Covid-19 infection. These symptoms typically include extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, joint pain, aching muscles, and brain fog.
"I'm so much better after the long Covid, but I feel different, physiologically," Norris told Prima magazine. "It gave me a shock, as I've always been quite fit and strong."
Concerns About Physical Challenges
The actress expressed particular concern about her physical fitness when she was invited to participate in the new BBC series Pilgrimage: The Road To Holy Island. The program follows seven celebrities, including Ashley Banjo, Patsy Kensit, and Tasha Ghouri, as they embark on a spiritual journey through north-east England to Lindisfarne, one of Britain's most significant pilgrimage sites.
"I had long Covid a few years ago, so I was worried about my physical fitness and the demands of walking so much every day, plus carrying the backpack," Norris admitted. However, she was pleasantly surprised by her performance during the challenging walks, stating: "We did a couple of massive walks and I was fine."
Focus on Health and Wellness
Following her experience with long Covid, Norris has shifted her focus toward maintaining her health and wellness. "Having been ill [with long Covid], my focus is on being well and healthy," she explained. "It's about exercising, not to make me look good but to keep me strong."
The actress has incorporated various practices into her routine to manage her health, including regular stretching, plans to begin weight lifting, and using an infrared sauna to address stiffness in her joints related to an autoimmune condition.
Navigating Menopause Changes
In the same interview, Norris also discussed the significant changes she has experienced since going through menopause. "Menopause talk is everywhere now," she noted. "But the alchemy that happens is unquestionable. The masks drop."
The actress described feeling like "a different person" from who she was in her 40s, both mentally and physically, but emphasized that this transformation has been positive. "Now I enjoy simple things," she shared. "My morning coffee, a walk, my doggies, beautiful skies. The joy is in the day-to-day of living, not the big things."
Looking Forward
Norris's full interview appears in the May issue of Prima magazine, which is currently available for purchase. Meanwhile, viewers can watch her journey in Pilgrimage: The Road To Holy Island, which airs on BBC2 from April 5th to 7th.
The actress's candid discussion about both long Covid and menopause contributes to broader conversations about health challenges that many people face but often hesitate to discuss publicly. Her experience highlights the lasting impact that Covid-19 can have on individuals long after the initial infection has passed.
