Claire McWilliams, Ph.D., a Professor of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Arizona State University, came down with COVID-19 in June 2022. Along with common symptoms, she experienced “crushing fatigue, brain fog, stomach upset, and nerve pain,” she said.
Even after recovering from the initial infection, these symptoms persisted. New ones appeared, like dizziness, blurry vision, and sudden changes in body temperature.
For a year, McWilliams sought answers from many doctors. She was misdiagnosed with conditions like hemochromatosis and autoimmune disease. Incorrect treatments only worsened her health.
Eventually, McWilliams finally found help through Banner Health’s Long COVID Program, led by Dr. Harvey Hsu. With the right diagnosis, her quality of life improved.
Still, she describes herself as a “two-scooper of energy,” fighting daily to keep her spark. Rest and support from family and friends have been vital to her recovery.
Unfortunately, McWilliams’ story is far from unique. Millions of people in the U.S. and around the world continue to face the harmful effects of Long COVID.
How Is the Medical Community Responding to Long COVID?
The COVID-19 pandemic killed over one million Americans and left millions more with long-term disabilities. Long COVID drains energy, disrupts memory, and affects the immune system. It can cause an array of symptoms, such as fatigue, brain fog, and nerve pain. The CDC estimates that 17 million U.S. adults are living with Long COVID.
The U.S. government has spent over $1 billion on research, but no FDA-approved treatments exist to date. Without clinical guidelines, many doctors rely on intuition when treating patients. Experimental or off-label treatments are common. For this reason, insurance companies often refuse to cover treatment costs.
Some doctors dismiss Long COVID as anxiety or depression. Yet, evidence for the physiological basis of the disease has only increased. Many patients are left feeling unheard and unsupported. For millions, accessing proper care remains an uphill battle.
What Does the Latest Research Tell Us About Long COVID?
In 2024, researchers uncovered new information about Long COVID, its effects, and potential treatments. One study explored using transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) to relieve pain, fatigue, and walking difficulties caused by the condition. TENS uses a small, battery-operated device to deliver mild electrical currents to the skin through adhesive pads, which reduce pain signals sent to the brain.
Participants were sorted into two groups: one received a high dose of TENS and the other a low-dose placebo. They underwent TENS therapy for three to five hours daily for four weeks.
By the end of the trial, participants reported less pain and fatigue. Data from wearable devices showed that walking improved, including better stride time and cadence. Studies like this provide hope for new Long COVID treatments.
Still, researchers don’t fully understand Long COVID. Some suspect that leftover virus particles could be causing the symptoms. If so, the virus could mutate further in human hosts, creating new variants.
Other studies reveal which demographics are most affected. Adults aged 18 to 64 make up 71% of cases. People in low-income brackets are more likely to have Long COVID. The CDC estimates that 7% of American adults have experienced the condition.
Globally, at least 65 million people may have had Long COVID at one time. However, the actual number is likely higher due to global underreporting.
Conclusion
McWilliams relies on off-label drugs, alternative therapies, and support from her employer and family to manage her symptoms. The prescriptions help her cope with, “fatigue, brain fog, stomach upset, and head aches,” she said.
Alternative therapies McWillams has tried include cold plunges, red light therapy, PEMF, myofascial release, and vagus nerve stimulation. “Getting into 45 degree water is not fun,” McWilliams said. “But Long COVID is not fun.”
McWilliams’ work accommodations include shorter distances between classrooms and facilitating lessons over Zoom, as needed. Her family has also been a cornerstone of her support system.
“My family is very supportive and very concerned about me,” said McWilliams. “When they see me overdo it, they remind me of the cost of that. My husband reminds me, when I worry about my condition, that he will take me any way he can get me.”
Long COVID continues to impact millions worldwide. While new research brings hope, much about the illness remains unknown. Stories like McWilliams’ highlight the importance of ongoing studies, care, and support to assist recovery.
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Logan Hamilton is a health and wellness freelance writer for hire. He’s passionate about crafting crystal-clear, captivating, and credible content that elevates brands and establishes trust. When not writing, Logan can be found hiking, sticking his nose in bizarre books, or playing drums in a local rock band. Find him at loganjameshamilton.com.
