> A post-viral syndrome can follow many types of viral infection, from the common cold to influenza and pneumonia. Yet no one has compiled and publicised data sets for those suffering from such a syndrome, let alone anointed it Long Flu or Long Cold ... There is a reason why the threat of Long Covid is being talked up right now, when the serious but manageable nature of Short Covid is becoming increasingly clear. It provides the often draconian response to the pandemic with the justification it increasingly lacks – that is, something for all of us to fear.