Imagine a disease impacting an estimated 400 million individuals worldwide. This disease carries a staggering economic burden, with experts estimating its annual impact at $1 trillion dollars, representing approximately 1% of the global economy. The origin of this pervasive illness is a common virus—one that you might easily contract at the supermarket, in a classroom, or during your daily commute on public transportation. Recent studies have revealed that this virus can remain in your system for over a year following infection.
Despite its widespread effects, raising awareness for this disease proves challenging, as many people remain skeptical about its seriousness and the ongoing repercussions it can have on health. This is the reality faced by Long COVID patients and advocacy groups, who established Long COVID Awareness Day on March 15, 2023. In the two years since its inception, progress has been frustratingly slow. Despite the relentless efforts of researchers and patients, mainstream media and influential political figures have largely downplayed the dangers of COVID-19 while urging a return to “normal” life.
With no approved treatments currently available for Long COVID, public understanding remains minimal. Efforts to prevent new COVID infections are almost nonexistent, and recent moves by the Trump administration to curtail medical research have compounded the crisis. The situation for Long COVID patients is dire, as they face ongoing health challenges and a lack of institutional support.
The definition of Long COVID is quite broad, serving as an umbrella term for a range of health complications that can arise after a COVID-19 infection. Experts from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) have developed a consensus definition that describes Long COVID as an infection-associated chronic condition (IACC). This condition persists for at least three months and can manifest as a continuous, relapsing, or progressive disease state that impacts one or more organ systems.
In a paper published in Nature Medicine, researchers elaborate on the complexity of Long COVID, noting that it is a multisystem disorder affecting nearly every organ system in the body. The cardiovascular, nervous, endocrine, immune, reproductive, and gastrointestinal systems can all be implicated in this condition.
When the media discusses Long COVID, it often resorts to merely listing symptoms rather than delving into the underlying biological issues affecting patients. This approach can obscure the significant advancements scientists have made in understanding this condition. Although often labeled as “mysterious” and “puzzling,” ongoing research has uncovered a plethora of biological abnormalities present in the bodies of those afflicted with Long COVID.
In summary, it is crucial to recognize the seriousness of Long COVID and the impact it has on millions globally. As awareness continues to grow, it is imperative that we push for increased research funding and public understanding to address this pressing health crisis.
