Long COVID Patients Still Struggling for Answers and Treatment Options
It has been five years since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared, yet many patients with long COVID are still searching for meaningful recovery. Approximately 6% of adults in the U.S., or roughly 18 million individuals, are living with the lingering effects of the virus, according to a long-running survey of U.S. households. The impact of catching COVID-19 can be long-lasting and debilitating, affecting various organ systems and causing symptoms like shortness of breath, brain fog, fatigue, and post-exertional malaise.
New patients are still seeking medical help for long COVID, but the path to recovery remains challenging, with no approved treatments available. Despite ongoing advocacy efforts and calls for increased research funding, progress has been slow, leaving patients frustrated.
**FAQs**
**Q: Are there any approved treatments for long COVID?**
A: Currently, there are no approved treatments for long COVID. Treatment mainly focuses on managing symptoms and related medical conditions that may arise.
**Q: What is the government doing to support research on long COVID?**
A: The government has allocated over $1 billion for long COVID research through the RECOVER initiative, with an additional $662 million earmarked for clinical trials led by the National Institutes of Health.
**Q: What are some promising research developments in the field of long COVID?**
A: Researchers have identified potential mechanisms underlying long COVID, such as viral persistence, immune dysfunction, and dysregulation of clotting proteins. Clinical trials are underway to test various therapies, with a focus on finding effective treatments.
**Conclusion**
While progress in long COVID research has been slow, there is reason for optimism as new trials are being conducted to test different therapies. Patients continue to advocate for more funding and support to advance the understanding of long COVID and develop effective treatments. With ongoing efforts from both patients and researchers, there is hope for better outcomes for those living with the lingering effects of COVID-19.