Being a vegetable isn't the only negative QoL out there. If I have to take several breaks just walking to the mailbox, that doesn't sound like any sort of quality of life to me.
Struggling to walk to the mailbox because a virus permanently disabled you is not the same as being out of shape.
And I'm not pulling this example out of my ass. My shrink's daughter in law was a mountain climber, trail runner, etc. and after covid she can't walk to the mailbox without having to stop for a breather.