Recalling her COVID-19 journey, Iza Calzado reminds everyone to prioritize one's health.
In a media forum called “Long COVID Conversations” held November 17, 2025, in Quezon City, the award-winning actress highlighted key lessons from her experience.
Long COVID, also known as post-COVID syndrome, is characterized by symptoms that persist or develop weeks to months after someone has recovered from the initial infection.
These ongoing effects can include fatigue, shortness of breath, brain fog, difficulty concentrating, and various other health issues—and they can occur in anyone, no matter how mild or severe their original case was.
In an episode of K’s Drama podcast with Karylle earlier, Iza admitted, "I did have healthy habits, but I also did have a brutal lifestyle in terms of working hours.
“That’s why I was always sick, and that’s why I had COVID so bad,” she added.
Iza recalled how severe her condition became: "I wasn’t even panicking because I didn’t have the energy to panic.
"Ganun siya kalakas. I was out. I was not myself anymore, I didn’t know I barely had oxygen, I only found out when I got to the hospital."
WHAT TO LEARN FROM IZA CALZADO'S EXPERIENCE
After facing a traumatizing life-and-death situation, Iza shared some key takeaways that others can learn from.
Iza admitted to making mistakes during her illness, including self-medicating after seeing a tweet about hydroxychloroquine’s supposed efficacy.
She said, "I urge everyone to avoid self-medicating and instead, seek medical attention from qualified doctors.”
Iza also warned against believing hoaxes, such as the misleading COVID-19 “self-check” test that circulated online and gave people false reassurance.
Elaborating: "I encourage the public to rely on credible sources like the World Health Organization.
"My symptoms progressed rapidly, leading to my hospitalization with pneumonia."
Because of this, she stresses the importance of seeking medical help and not delaying necessary care as soon as unusual symptoms appear.
"My experience also taught me that material things are insignificant compared to love and meaningful relationships."
During her battle with COVID-19, she found strength in her faith and trust in a higher power.
As for long COVID, Iza remains unsure if she is experiencing it, but she continues to take care of herself, long after her recovery.
She reminds the public to stay vigilant, as COVID-19 can affect people of any age or health condition.
Practicing self-care, looking after both physical and mental health, and seeking support from loved ones, healthcare professionals, or support groups are essential steps in staying healthy.
The celebrity mom’s recovery journey serves as a powerful reminder to prioritize well-being and remain safe and informed.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 65 million individuals are affected by Long COVID worldwide. Anyone who gets infected with SARS-Cov-2, whether mild or severe, is at risk of developing Long Covid.
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