For many, it morphs into a severe disability, with an endless litany of symptoms.
Unfortunately, for many patients, that was as far as they got.
Two years into the pandemic, long COVID still raises more questions than it offers answers.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
Some symptoms were pinned down to a particular cause, though the full clinical picture still has many gaps.
In 2020, the most pervading symptom documented by long-haulers was fatigue.
These illnesses can trigger symptoms across every organ system.
Graphic by Lauren Nichols
Experts emphasize that PASC could be an umbrella term that includes these illnesses, amongst other things.
Last year, our understanding of the vascular nature of COVID also expanded.
Graphic by Lauren Nichols
Are Long Covid Clinics and Treatments Helping?
Graphic by Lauren Nichols.
Many people who probably should have been hospitalized or at least evaluated and treated were turned away.
But there is still plenty of progress to be made.
Many patients have yet to findrelief from existing treatments.
Graphic by Lauren Nichols.
What Will 2022 Bring?
Throughout the next year, we will be seeing more insight into the pathophysiology of COVID-19.
Some long COVID patients hope to see more collaboration in the new year within the medical community.
Wei also emphasizes that collaborative efforts are needed.
In December PLRC wrote anopen letterto the NIH RECOVER stakeholders detailingchanges we would like to seein leadership.
For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.COVID data tracker.
2021;4(10):e2128568.
