Heartland Magazine – March 11, 2022
As the world marks the second anniversary of the declaration of the novel coronavirus pandemic by the World Health Organization, the battle against COVID-19 continues. While the pandemic is officially declared over, the SARS-CoV-2 virus still poses a threat as it circulates, mutates, and infects people worldwide.
One of the major concerns emerging from the aftermath of the pandemic is the phenomenon known as long COVID. This condition refers to the persistence of symptoms and health problems in individuals even after they have recovered from the acute phase of COVID-19 infection. Long COVID encompasses a wide range of symptoms that affect various organ systems in the body, including fatigue, brain fog, dizziness, headaches, shortness of breath, joint pain, nerve issues, and gastrointestinal problems.
Diagnosing long COVID remains a challenge, as there are no specific laboratory tests or universally agreed-upon diagnostic criteria. Despite this, nearly 7% of adults in the U.S. reported experiencing long COVID in 2022, indicating a significant number of individuals affected by the condition.
It is important to note that long COVID can affect anyone who has contracted COVID-19, regardless of age, race, gender, severity of infection, vaccination status, or underlying health conditions. The potential causes of long COVID include viral persistence, persistent systemic inflammation, autoimmune reactions, and reactivation of latent viruses.
Unfortunately, there are currently no specific treatments or FDA-approved medications for long COVID, and management of the condition focuses on addressing individual symptoms and conditions. Patients with long COVID often struggle with a range of debilitating symptoms and may experience depression, grief, and a sense of loss of identity as they navigate their illness.
Furthermore, many long COVID patients face challenges in receiving appropriate care and support from healthcare providers, often encountering dismissals, gaslighting, and discrimination. More research and awareness are needed to address the complex and debilitating effects of long COVID and to ensure that affected individuals receive the care and support they require.
