Health and Me

Ishita Roy

Long COVID: The Story Of Those Who Are Still Dealing With Symptoms And Illnesses

While it has been years since the declaration of COVID as a global pandemic, many people are still experiencing symptoms till now. This is called Long COVID. A condition that refers to new or returning, or even ongoing health problems experienced four or more weeks after initial COVID infection. For many, it could go on for years.

<h2>When Pandemic Doesn't End With Infection</h2>

For Mike Hall, as reports CBC News, the pandemic never really ended.

In June 2022, his wife contracted COVID-19. The infection passed, but the symptoms never truly left. Nearly four years later, Hall has become her primary caregiver.

His wife is among millions living with long COVID, a condition where symptoms continue for months or even years after the initial infection. For her, it means extreme fatigue, brain fog and stomach inflammation. Some days, even getting out of bed is difficult.

“There are difficulties with simple things,” Hall says. “Even figuring out what to put together for supper.”

The illness has reshaped their lives. Activities they once enjoyed—travelling or dining out—have largely disappeared because of her limited energy and dietary restrictions. Each day is unpredictable.

“Every day you’re hoping things will be better,” Hall says. “But you don’t know from one day to the next.”

Six years after COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic, long COVID continues to affect many people long after the virus itself fades. Patients report a wide range of lingering symptoms, including fatigue, dizziness, heart problems and cognitive issues.

For Savanna Brooks, who wrote in The Guardian, the condition completely changed the trajectory of her life.

The 34-year-old once worked as a literary agent and lecturer at the University of Minnesota. After contracting COVID-19 in April 2022, she developed long COVID and was forced to leave her career. She moved back in with her parents and spent her savings on medical care.

“My bodily existence is unpleasant,” she says.

Her days begin with severe nausea, and she needs up to 12 hours of sleep to function. Standing for long periods can cause fainting or seizures. On many days, she relies on a wheelchair or walker to get around.

Doctors say long COVID can manifest in more than 200 different symptoms, affecting multiple systems of the body. Some patients develop chronic fatigue syndrome or postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), where the heart rate spikes when standing.

The condition’s complexity makes treatment challenging. There is still no single approved cure, and care often involves managing individual symptoms and gradually rebuilding strength.

Despite the limitations, Brooks has found small ways to reclaim parts of her life. One of them is scuba diving.

Thirty feet underwater in Florida’s Blue Grotto diving site, the pressure stabilizes her blood pressure and slows her heart rate. Breathing through a respirator helps her body feel calm in ways it often cannot on land.

But once she surfaces, the challenges return.

Each month she travels hours to attend a rehabilitation clinic where doctors monitor her progress and help her maintain small levels of activity—an important part of preventing further physical decline.

Experts say that gradual rehabilitation and early care can help some patients manage symptoms, though recovery remains unpredictable.

For people like Hall and Brooks, long COVID has become an ongoing reality—one that continues long after the world has tried to move on from the pandemic.

And for many patients, the biggest challenge is simply being understood.

As Hall puts it, every day is still a waiting game—hoping tomorrow might be a little easier than today.

Health Conditions A-Z

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COVID

COVID 19

long COVID

COVID-19

coronavirus

health and wellness

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While it has been years since the declaration of COVID as a global pandemic, many people are still experiencing symptoms till now. This is called Long COVID. A condition that refers to new or returning, or even ongoing health problems experienced four or more weeks after initial COVID infection. For many, it could go on for years. When Pandemic Doesn't End With InfectionFor Mike Hall, as reports CBC News, the pandemic never really ended.In June 2022, his wife contracted COVID-19. The infection passed, but the symptoms never truly left. Nearly four years later, Hall has become her primary caregiver.“She just never recovered,” he says.His wife is among millions living with long COVID, a condition where symptoms continue for months or even years after the initial infection. For her, it means extreme fatigue, brain fog and stomach inflammation. Some days, even getting out of bed is difficult.“There are difficulties with simple things,” Hall says. “Even figuring out what to put together for supper.”The illness has reshaped their lives. Activities they once enjoyed—travelling or dining out—have largely disappeared because of her limited energy and dietary restrictions. Each day is unpredictable.“Every day you’re hoping things will be better,” Hall says. “But you don’t know from one day to the next.”Six years after COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic, long COVID continues to affect many people long after the virus itself fades. Patients report a wide range of lingering symptoms, including fatigue, dizziness, heart problems and cognitive issues.A Life Completely ChangedFor Savanna Brooks, who wrote in The Guardian, the condition completely changed the trajectory of her life.The 34-year-old once worked as a literary agent and lecturer at the University of Minnesota. After contracting COVID-19 in April 2022, she developed long COVID and was forced to leave her career. She moved back in with her parents and spent her savings on medical care.“My bodily existence is unpleasant,” she says.Her days begin with severe nausea, and she needs up to 12 hours of sleep to function. Standing for long periods can cause fainting or seizures. On many days, she relies on a wheelchair or walker to get around.Doctors say long COVID can manifest in more than 200 different symptoms, affecting multiple systems of the body. Some patients develop chronic fatigue syndrome or postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), where the heart rate spikes when standing.The condition’s complexity makes treatment challenging. There is still no single approved cure, and care often involves managing individual symptoms and gradually rebuilding strength.Despite the limitations, Brooks has found small ways to reclaim parts of her life. One of them is scuba diving.Thirty feet underwater in Florida’s Blue Grotto diving site, the pressure stabilizes her blood pressure and slows her heart rate. Breathing through a respirator helps her body feel calm in ways it often cannot on land.But once she surfaces, the challenges return.Each month she travels hours to attend a rehabilitation clinic where doctors monitor her progress and help her maintain small levels of activity—an important part of preventing further physical decline.Experts say that gradual rehabilitation and early care can help some patients manage symptoms, though recovery remains unpredictable.For people like Hall and Brooks, long COVID has become an ongoing reality—one that continues long after the world has tried to move on from the pandemic.And for many patients, the biggest challenge is simply being understood.As Hall puts it, every day is still a waiting game—hoping tomorrow might be a little easier than today.