When Chimére Sweeney, an English teacher in Baltimore, contracted Covid in 2020, she expected a quick recovery. Instead, she developed severe symptoms that never went away.
Now, nearly five years later, Sweeney suffers from ongoing pain, memory issues, depression, and other debilitating symptoms. “My two weeks never came,” she says, referring to the initial promise of quick recovery.
Long Covid remains a mystery. Scientists don’t fully understand why some individuals develop long-term issues after the virus. Long Covid is known to cause over 200 symptoms affecting organs like the heart, lungs, and brain, but there is no official test or treatment. Researchers estimate 14 million adults in the U.S. suffer from it, though the true number may be higher.
Despite a $1 billion research initiative from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), progress has been slow. Experts worry that government funding cuts may hinder future research.
There are several theories about what causes long Covid, including lingering viral particles, reactivation of dormant viruses, or immune system malfunctions. Some evidence suggests Covid damages blood vessels, causing issues like heart problems in some patients. However, no single cause has been identified.
Diagnosing long Covid is difficult. While there are tools to detect related heart conditions, no test can diagnose long Covid specifically. Research teams are now exploring potential biomarkers, with the retina and gut showing promise.
Treatment remains elusive. The FDA has not approved any drugs specifically for long Covid, and most trials focus on repurposing existing medications. Some patients find relief through physical therapy, while others rely on symptom management with multiple medications.
Experts emphasize the importance of well-designed clinical trials, as many long Covid patients are unable to travel for in-person visits. While recovery is rare, some patients show improvement, often with fluctuating symptoms.
Despite the challenges, there is hope for better quality of life and future breakthroughs.
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