As the world begins to emerge from the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic, many are looking forward to returning to some semblance of normalcy. However, for those suffering from long covid, the end of the pandemic does not necessarily mean the end of their own personal health crisis. These long-haulers, as they are often called, are dealing with a range of debilitating symptoms that persist long after their initial COVID-19 infection. Yet despite the severity and persistence of their condition, many feel like they are being overlooked and underserved by the healthcare system, leaving them feeling “swept under the rug.” This article delves into the struggles faced by those living with long covid and explores the steps that need to be taken to address this growing public health issue.
Long Covid has been a debilitating condition for many sufferers, who have had to deal with emotional and financial problems long after they were infected with the virus. These patients have had to face broken relationships, lost careers, and the disbelief of family and friends who didn’t understand the ongoing health problems patients face after recovering from Covid-19. As the federal public health emergency is set to come to an end in May, many long Covid patients feel abandoned by policymakers and are losing hope. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 6% of U.S. adults, or around 16 million people, suffer from long Covid, experiencing ongoing health problems that continue even after the initial bout of Covid-19. Furthermore, about 1.6% of adults, or around 4 million people, have long Covid symptoms that have significantly impacted their daily lives.
The symptoms associated with long Covid can affect almost every system in the body, and there is currently no cure or even an accepted medical definition for the condition. For patients, this can be very invalidating and anxiety-provoking because there are no tests that confirm anything is abnormal in their bodies. Moreover, more than 200 symptoms and conditions are associated with long Covid, including severe fatigue, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress. Because of the physical and emotional toll of long Covid, sufferers are more likely to experience mental health issues such as depression or post-traumatic stress, with instances of suicide among them.
In Los Angeles County, at least 46% of adults who contracted the virus experienced one or more continuing symptoms, and this has affected their daily lives. Chronic fatigue, brain fog, and persistent cough were among the most common health issues reported. Among those respondents who identified as living with long Covid, the majority (77%) said their condition limits their ability to go to school or work or socialize, and almost a quarter reported experiencing severe limitations.
While antivirals can potentially reduce long Covid symptoms in the newly infected, for those already suffering, medical treatment options are currently scarce. Despite the ongoing struggles, long Covid sufferers like Shelby Hedgecock from Knoxville, Tennessee, who advocates for patients like herself, remain resilient and hopeful that medical science will eventually find a cure. Linda Rosenthal, a retired high school paraprofessional with long Covid symptoms, is struggling to find medical care, and Julia Landis, a former therapist, has had to give up her career and deal with debilitating pain, depression, and anxiety while filling her days with physical therapy and medical appointments. All three patients featured in the article hope that policymakers will take notice of their plight and provide the necessary support to research and treat long Covid.
As the world slowly but surely emerges from the grips of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are many who continue to suffer from its effects. Long COVID is a debilitating condition that can affect individuals for months, if not years. Unfortunately, many of these people feel as though they are being forgotten now that the pandemic is no longer in a state of emergency. It is important that we continue to shine a light on the battles faced by those with long COVID, and provide them with the resources and support they need to regain their health and well-being. By staying vigilant and vocal about this important issue, we can ensure that everyone affected by the pandemic, including those battling long COVID, receives the care and attention they deserve.
