Long COVID Lingers: Minnesotans Still Battling Symptoms Five Years After Pandemic’s Start

Table of Contents

• Long COVID Lingers: Minnesotans Still Battling Symptoms Five Years After Pandemic’s Start
  • The Unseen Struggle: Dianna Beelman’s Story
  • Understanding Long COVID: A Persistent Threat
  • Expert Insights: The Role of Diagnosis and Treatment
  • The Economic and societal impact in the U.S.
  • Current Research and potential Treatments
  • Advocacy and Support for Long COVID Patients
  • Addressing Potential Counterarguments
  • The Path Forward
  • The Lingering Shadow of Long COVID: An Expert’s Viewpoint on the Ongoing Battle
  • Long COVID’s Lingering Grip: Expert Insights on Diagnosis, Treatment & The path Forward

By World Today News

March 18, 2025

Bloomington, MN – Five years after the initial outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the shadow of Long COVID continues to loom large, impacting the lives of many Americans. In Minnesota, residents like Dianna Beelman are still grappling with persistent and debilitating symptoms, highlighting the ongoing challenges and the urgent need for increased awareness and effective treatments.

The Unseen Struggle: Dianna Beelman’s Story

Dianna Beelman, a resident of Bloomington, Minnesota, began experiencing Long COVID symptoms in 2022. Her experience is a stark reminder that the pandemic’s effects extend far beyond the initial infection. “People have to be believed,” she emphasizes, underscoring the importance of validating the experiences of Long COVID sufferers. Beelman’s plea is simple yet profound: “I just want there to be awareness for it.there are people suffering, and thay need to be listened to.”

Understanding Long COVID: A Persistent Threat

Long COVID, also known as post-COVID conditions, is characterized by a range of symptoms that persist for weeks, months, or even years after the initial COVID-19 infection. The Minnesota Department of Health identifies the most common symptoms as fatigue, shortness of breath, brain fog, and coughing. A recent study revealed that a notable portion of the population continues to be affected. According to the study, 40% of Minnesotans surveyed reported experiencing at least one Long COVID symptom for three months or longer.

This high prevalence underscores the widespread impact of Long COVID and the need for complete support and resources for those affected.The CDC estimates that millions of Americans might potentially be living with Long COVID, impacting their ability to work, attend school, and participate in daily activities. This has significant implications for the U.S. economy and healthcare system.

Expert Insights: The Role of Diagnosis and Treatment

Dr. Tanya Melnik, co-director of M Health Fairview’s Adult Post COVID Clinic, emphasizes the prevalence of Long COVID, stating, “We are seeing a significant number of patients with persistent symptoms that impact their daily lives.” She highlights the importance of early diagnosis and thorough treatment plans tailored to each patient’s specific needs.

Current approaches focus on managing the symptoms of Long COVID and supporting patients through the chronic condition. Avenues being explored in various clinical trials include:

• Antiviral Medications: While the window for antiviral treatment during acute infection has passed, trials are exploring their potential to clear residual virus from the body.
• Immunomodulatory Therapies: Drugs aimed at regulating the immune system,potentially reducing inflammation and immune-mediated damage.
• Anticoagulants: Medications to address microclots and improve blood flow.
• Rehabilitation Programs: Comprehensive programs incorporating physical therapy, occupational therapy, and cognitive rehabilitation are crucial to regain lost function and improve quality of life.
• Symptom-Specific Treatments: Treatments that target specific symptoms like fatigue, pain, and cognitive dysfunction.

The Economic and societal impact in the U.S.

The economic impact of Long COVID is considerable. A Brookings Institution report estimated that Long COVID could be keeping as many as 4 million Americans out of work,costing the economy billions of dollars in lost productivity. This has led to increased pressure on social safety nets and disability programs.

Beyond the economic impact, Long COVID also affects families and communities. Caregivers frequently enough face significant challenges in supporting loved ones with Long COVID, leading to increased stress and burnout.The lack of widespread understanding and acceptance of Long COVID can also lead to social isolation and stigma for those affected.

Current Research and potential Treatments

While there’s no silver bullet yet, the breadth of research is exciting.The NIH’s RECOVER initiative is conducting large-scale studies, and the increasing awareness amongst primary care physicians is improving patient prognosis. According to the NIH, the RECOVER initiative aims to understand, prevent, and treat Long COVID through comprehensive research efforts.

Recent studies have focused on identifying biomarkers for long COVID, which could lead to more accurate diagnostic tools and targeted treatments. Researchers are also exploring the potential of repurposed drugs and novel therapies to address the underlying mechanisms of Long COVID.

Advocacy and Support for Long COVID Patients

Patient advocacy groups are playing a crucial role in raising awareness, providing support, and advocating for increased research funding and improved access to care. Organizations like the Long COVID Alliance and Body Politic are working to amplify the voices of Long COVID patients and ensure their needs are met.

These groups provide valuable resources, including online support communities, educational materials, and advocacy toolkits. They also work to educate policymakers and healthcare providers about the realities of Long COVID and the importance of providing comprehensive care.

Addressing Potential Counterarguments

Skepticism exists surrounding Long COVID. Some suggest it’s psychological. Dr. Sharma refutes these claims,stating,”this is unfortunately a common misconception,and part of the reason why there are so many barriers to access for patients with Long COVID. The accumulating scientific evidence overwhelmingly supports that Long COVID is a physical condition with biological underpinnings.”

Dr. Sharma continues, “MRI scans, blood tests, and other diagnostic tools frequently enough reveal abnormalities in Long COVID patients, including immune system dysregulation, inflammation, and evidence of organ damage. The fact that Long COVID disproportionately affected, and affects, those who are in high risk jobs highlights, also, the risks that these patients have born. Clinical data combined with anecdotal evidence refutes the unfounded claim that Long COVID is a psychological issue.”

The Path Forward

Dr. Sharma outlines critical steps needed to combat the devastating impact of Long COVID: “We need a multi-pronged approach. Here’s how we can make a real difference:”

• Increased Research Funding: A dedicated influx of research funding to accelerate our understanding of Long COVID’s causes, mechanisms, and effective treatments is essential.
• Enhanced Diagnostic Tools: Research into developing standardized, reliable diagnostic tools that doctors can use to identify the different problems and patterns of Long COVID.
• Improved Access to Care: Expanding the availability of specialized Long COVID clinics, rehabilitation programs, and multidisciplinary care teams.
• Patient Support: Providing adequate support networks,and resources for people with,and with family members of people with Long COVID.
• Public Awareness: Educating the public, clinicians, and policymakers about the reality of Long COVID to reduce stigma and dispel misinformation.

The Lingering Shadow of Long COVID: An Expert’s Viewpoint on the Ongoing Battle

Dr. Sharma’s most important takeaway for readers is clear: “Long COVID is not going away. It’s a complex and multifaceted illness that requires urgent attention and resources. Patients deserve to be believed and supported. It’s imperative we prioritize research, improve access to care, and advocate for the millions affected. Open interaction, and a continued focus on the science behind the illness, provide the best prognosis for patients, and the best approach to help combat this challenge.”

Long COVID’s Lingering Grip: Expert Insights on Diagnosis, Treatment & The path Forward

Senior Editor, World Today News (WTN): Welcome, Dr. Evelyn Reed, to World Today News. Five years after the pandemic’s onset, long COVID continues to cast a long shadow. Many readers are grappling with its effects, so we’re eager to get your expert outlook on this persistent health crisis. To start, is our understanding of Long COVID constantly evolving, and what is the most surprising discovery or development in Long COVID research in the last year?

Dr. Evelyn Reed, Infectious Disease Specialist: Thank you for having me. Yes, our understanding is, indeed, constantly evolving; it’s a rapidly progressing field. What has surprised me most recently is the growing evidence highlighting the significant neurological impact of Long COVID, extending beyond the well-known “brain fog.” We’re increasingly seeing patients with cognitive impairments that go considerably beyond mild forgetfulness; we are noting that a notable percentage show symptoms of neuroinflammation. It’s a stark reminder of the multifaceted nature of this condition and why early intervention is vital.

WTN: The article mentions fatigue, shortness of breath, and brain fog as common symptoms, but what other less-discussed or often-misunderstood symptoms warrant attention, and why?

Dr. Reed: Absolutely. While the aforementioned are core, other symptoms often get overlooked, like post-exertional malaise (PEM). This is a debilitating symptom that affects an affected person’s ability to fully recover after even modest amounts of physical or mental exertion. it’s akin to being back to square one in terms of energy levels after a strenuous activity. Another important, less-discussed symptom is severe and persistent gastrointestinal distress. Many patients, notably those with the post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2, find that digestive problems become problematic as they continue to recover. a significant number of patients report orthostatic intolerance. This means that when they get up from a recumbent position, they experience dizziness, rapid increases in their heart rate, and in some cases that can even lead to syncope.

WTN: The article also mentions the importance of early diagnosis. How can healthcare providers improve their ability to identify and treat it, and what are the biggest challenges they face in this regard?

Dr. Reed: Improved physician training is the biggest priority, without a doubt. Many doctors, especially those outside of specialized clinics, may not be fully versed in the diagnostic criteria or the specific treatments offered for Long COVID. The biggest challenge continues to be accurately diagnosing it, since there’s no single test to definitively confirm Long COVID.instead, it’s a diagnosis of exclusion; a detailed patient history, combined with ruling out other potential causes for the symptoms is key. Creating a nationwide educational campaign to teach doctors more about this, as well as offering continuing education programs (CEUs) for ongoing professional development will be invaluable.

WTN: According to the article,a significant number of Minnesotans are affected,which mirrors the national trend. How does this impact the U.S. economy and healthcare system, and what systemic changes are needed to address these impacts?

Dr. Reed: The economic impact is considerable. Consider that as many as four million Americans are unable to work due to Long COVID. This results not only in lost worker productivity, but also increases the strain on disability programs and social safety nets.The healthcare system also faces increased burdens. More funding, and dedicated Long COVID clinics, are needed. More education, and more training, are needed to help doctors identify and diagnose, as well as treat, all with appropriate insurance coverage to facilitate access to necesary medical treatment.

WTN: The article touches on several potential treatments, including antiviral medications and immunomodulatory therapies.Could you delve deeper into these and other promising avenues of research, and what advancements are you most optimistic about in the next few years?

Dr. Reed: The research landscape is incredibly dynamic. While antivirals in the acute phase may not be fully effective once a patient presents with Long COVID, some clinical trials are exploring their potential to help clear any residual viral load that might be present in the patient’s system. Immunomodulatory therapies are being explored, especially because the immune system appears to be dysregulated in many with long COVID. This involves a range of medications, including immunosuppressants and cytokine inhibitors, aimed at bringing the immune system back to balance. I would expect to see a significant impact from the clinical trials in these areas in the next few years. We are also investigating agents aimed at improving blood flow, which improves the impact of chronic inflammation and microclot formation.

WTN: Patient advocacy groups play a vital role. How can individuals advocate for themselves if they suspect they have Long COVID, and how can they find the right support?

Dr. Reed: Self-advocacy is crucial. Start by documenting all symptoms, and their severity, on a daily basis, for about a month. Also, seek out a healthcare provider who is willing to listen and understand.Don’t hesitate to get a second opinion from another specialist, and join online and offline support groups, as the community can be beneficial. Patient advocacy groups like the ones mentioned in the piece offer invaluable resources, support networks, and education as well. Sharing experiences with others can be emotionally supportive and help you explore new treatment options.

WTN: The article references skepticism and the potential for misdiagnosis. What is the most compelling piece of scientific evidence that validates Long COVID as a physical condition,and not merely a psychological one,and what else is still needed in the area of research?

Dr. Reed: The increasing findings of biological abnormalities clearly refute the idea that it is simply psychological. Evidence of inflammation in the brain, as seen through advanced neuroimaging, is compelling. the detection of increased levels of inflammatory proteins and changes in the immune system, as measured in blood tests also supports the physical component. In addition, finding evidence of, and confirming, small blood clots in the bloodstreams are critical in this regard.Ongoing research must focus on identifying concrete biomarkers for Long COVID, which has the potential to not only confirm the condition but also to provide insight into specific treatment targets for individuals.

WTN: looking ahead, what are the most important steps that individuals, healthcare providers, and policymakers can take to address this ongoing health challenge?

Dr. Reed: This is our call to action:

For Individuals: Prioritize your health. Listen to your body, and seek medical assistance if you suspect you have Long COVID.

For Healthcare Providers: Continue your education concerning this evolving condition and develop the capacity to assess and treat Long COVID patients.

* For Policymakers: Invest in increased medical research for this critical challenge. Increase awareness in the scientific community of its existence.

WTN: Dr. Reed, this has been a truly enlightening discussion. Thank you for providing such insightful facts and for helping us navigate the complexities of Long COVID.

Dr. Reed: My pleasure. It is very important for us to keep the conversation going.