Summary:
Long COVID affects approximately 3 out of 10 COVID infections and can last for weeks, months, or years.
Common symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, loss of smell or taste, brain fog, fatigue, and body aches.
NYC offers 18 long COVID clinics, with NYC Health + Hospitals providing services to all New Yorkers, regardless of their ability to pay or insurance status.
Treatments focus on managing symptoms, as there is currently no cure for long COVID.
Clinical trials are ongoing, but it will take several years for results to be integrated into medical practice.
Long COVID is recognized as a potential disability under the ADA, and those with significant limitations may be eligible for disability accommodations or benefits.
Long COVID in NYC: A Guide to Symptoms, Treatment, and Support
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, long COVID has emerged as a significant health concern affecting many people. This term describes chronic health problems that persist weeks, months, or even years after the initial COVID infection. While there is currently no cure for long COVID, significant progress has been made in understanding and treating its various symptoms.
How Likely Am I to Get Long COVID?
Approximately three in every ten COVID infections develop into long COVID, according to the CDC. This risk increases with each repeat infection. Other factors that can elevate your risk include severe COVID infections, underlying health conditions, and lack of vaccination.
What are the Symptoms of Long COVID?
Long COVID symptoms are diverse and can range from mild to severe. The most common symptoms include:
- Coughing or shortness of breath
- Loss of smell or taste
- Brain fog
- Fever
- Trouble sleeping
- Fatigue
- Body aches, headaches, chest pain, or stomach pain
- Mood changes
What to Do if You Suspect Long COVID
If you suspect you or your child have long COVID, it's essential to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider, ideally your primary care physician. Track your symptoms to help your doctor identify patterns and understand your condition better.
Where Can You Find Treatment in NYC?
New York City offers 18 long COVID clinics across the five boroughs. NYC Health + Hospitals provides services to all New Yorkers, regardless of their ability to pay, insurance coverage, or immigration status. Other facilities may have different policies, so inquire about costs before making a decision.
What are the Treatments for Long COVID?
Since there is no cure, current treatments focus on managing symptoms. Your doctor will develop a personalized treatment plan based on your individual symptoms. Treatment options may include:
- Prescription and non-prescription drugs
- Physical rehabilitation
- Vitamins and supplements
- Dietary modifications
- Other therapies
Clinical Trials and Research
The RECOVER Initiative is currently conducting Phase 2 clinical trials to investigate the effectiveness of different treatments for various long COVID symptom categories. These trials are expected to take several years to reach conclusions.
Disability Accommodations and Benefits
Long COVID is recognized as a condition that may result in a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you believe your long COVID symptoms substantially limit your major life activities, you may be eligible for disability accommodations or benefits. Contact Ask JAN or your healthcare provider to learn more about your rights and the process of applying for support.
Preventing Long COVID
The CDC emphasizes staying up to date with vaccinations, wearing masks in high-traffic areas, taking steps for cleaner air, and monitoring local COVID conditions as primary strategies for preventing long COVID.
Where to Learn More
This guide provides a starting point for understanding long COVID in NYC. For additional information and support, consider reaching out to these patient-led organizations and support groups:
- Black COVID-19 Survivors Alliance
- Long COVID Families
- The Network for Long COVID Justice
Additionally, the book The Long COVID Survival Guide by Fiona Lowenstein offers valuable insights and guidance.
This guide will be continually updated as knowledge about long COVID evolves. If you have any questions or insights, please reach out to THE CITY newsroom at ask@thecity.nyc.
Comments