The World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus a pandemic on March 11, 2020, ushering in a new era of coexisting with COVID-19. One of the challenges that emerged is Long COVID, also known as post-COVID conditions (PCC) or post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). This umbrella term encompasses a range of symptoms that persist after recovering from acute COVID-19 infection, such as fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, and gastrointestinal problems.
Long COVID can affect every organ system in the body and varies in severity. Diagnosis remains complex, with no specific laboratory tests available. In the U.S., nearly 7% of adults reported experiencing long COVID in 2022, but the actual number may be higher. Factors such as age, race, gender, vaccination status, and underlying health conditions do not exempt individuals from developing long COVID.
Vaccination and antiviral medications like paxlovid can lower the risk of long COVID. However, the causes are not fully understood, with theories including viral persistence and autoimmune reactions. Treatment mainly focuses on symptom management, as there are no FDA-approved medications for the condition.
Long COVID patients often face cognitive deficits, chronic pain, and mental health struggles. They may also encounter challenges with healthcare providers dismissing their symptoms, leading to grief and gaslighting. Discrimination and dismissive attitudes further compound their difficulties, as they navigate a new reality post-COVID-19.
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