Dr. Alison Cohen, an expert who studies long-term illness, is now battling the very condition she researches. Despite her medical background, long Covid has drastically changed her life. Simple activities like driving or socializing now leave her exhausted, highlighting how debilitating this condition can be for millions.
Long Covid is often an “energy-limiting” condition. Dr. Cohen describes a level of fatigue that feels like being “bone-tired” even after a full night’s sleep. This exhaustion forces patients to ration their energy carefully, often choosing between basic chores and seeing friends.
Beyond fatigue, patients often experience “brain fog,” which feels like wading through thick mud. The condition can also cause heart racing, lung scarring, and dizziness. These symptoms make it difficult to concentrate, remember facts, or even follow a simple conversation.
The impact of long Covid extends beyond health. About one in ten sufferers has had to reduce work hours or stop working entirely. This often leads to financial strain, making it harder to afford housing or medical care. Social lives also suffer as patients withdraw to save their limited strength.
There is currently no standard cure or federal treatment for long Covid. While some antiviral drugs show promise, results are mixed. Dr. Cohen emphasizes that preventing reinfection is vital, as research continues at a slow pace due to a lack of funding and public interest.