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What is
Long COVID?

Some people who have been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 can experience long-term effects from their infection, known as Long COVID.

10% to 30%

of people who had COVID-19 experience Long Covid symptoms

Up to 180 million

people worldwide affected with Long COVID

Tremendous worldwide economic impact

Unmeasurable at this time.

Long COVID affects

men, women and
children too.

Long COVID: Millions are still sick

Long COVID presents with a wide array of symptoms after first being infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. According to the CDC, Long COVID can last weeks, months, or years.

COVID-19 affects different people in different ways, ranging from mild symptoms to severe debilitating disease. 

Millions are still sick, and they are waiting for answers.

Anywhere from 10% to 30% of people who had COVID-19 have lingering symptoms

fatigue muscle aches dysautonomia sleep disturbances brain fog

“…Anywhere from 10% to 30%—or more—have lingering symptoms well beyond what you would expect from any post-viral syndrome like influenza and others. It’s fatigue, shortness of breath, muscle aches, dysautonomia, sleep disturbances, and what people refer to as brain fog.”

Anthony S. Fauci, MD.

Symptoms

Routine blood tests, chest x-rays, and electrocardiograms may be normal in patients with Long COVID. The CDC describes the symptoms as similar to those reported by people with ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome) and other multi-system chronic complex diseases (msCCD).

These unexplained symptoms may be misunderstood by healthcare providers, which causes a delay in diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

General Symptoms

Tiredness or fatigue

Symptoms that get worse after physical or mental effort

Fever

Neurological Symptoms

Difficulty thinking or concentrating

Headache

Sleep problems

Lightheadedness

Pins-and-needles feelings

Change in smell or taste

Depression or anxiety

Digestive Symptoms

Diarrhea

Stomach pain

Respiratory and Heart Symptoms

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

Cough

Chest pain

Fast-beating or pounding heart

Other Symptoms

Joint or muscle pain

Rash

Changes in menstrual cycles

And more...

Diagnosis

There is no specific test to diagnose Long COVID, so doctors usually consider a diagnosis of Long COVID based on health history, current symptoms, and a health examination.

There is no cure for COVID-19. Some people improve over time, but others have Long COVID for months or years, which can result in disability.

OMF has already begun
a large-scale international study

Solely funded by private donors

We knew this was coming! Back at the beginning of the pandemic, OMF secured a $1 million grant to launch the first year of a three-year international study to follow and study those with COVID-19 as they either return to health or remain with symptoms months after being infected. The purpose was to learn what is different in people who stay ill. This project is being conducted across the globe at our OMF-supported Collaborative Research Centers, spearheaded by some of the world’s top researchers and ME/CFS experts.

We are actively working to raise additional funds for this critical study to continue. We all need this research now. We need your help today so that millions can return to health tomorrow.

Support OMF

Support Open Medicine Foundation’s quest to find effective treatments and diagnostic tests for the millions of people affected by these devastating diseases!

Information about Long COVID provided from:

  1. CDC: Center for Disease Control
  2. THE LONG COVID ALLIANCE
  3. THE SOLVE LONG COVID INITIATIVE

 

Articles linking Long COVID to ME/CFS”

Post-COVID Fatigue, Exercise Intolerance Signal ME/CFS

 

 

Disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only. The information provided on this website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME / CFS) Post Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS), Fibromyalgia Leading Research. Delivering Hope.Open Medicine Foundation®

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