By Ashley Drapeau, PA-C, LAc, GWCIM Medical Director
Five years into the pandemic, millions of people around the world continue to live with persistent symptoms following COVID-19 infection, including fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, dysautonomia, pain, and post-exertional symptom exacerbation.
Yet many patients still face significant barriers to recognition, diagnosis, and care. March 15th is International Long COVID Awareness Day
As a clinician working with patients living with Long COVID, I see every day how complex and heterogeneous this condition is. It challenges traditional models of medicine and requires a multidisciplinary approach that includes neurology, cardiology, rehabilitation, integrative medicine, and patient-centered care.
We have made progress in understanding Long COVID but there is still much work ahead.
Moving forward, our priorities must include:
• Continued biomedical research into mechanisms and treatments
• Expanded clinical education so providers can better recognize and manage Long COVID
• Accessible care pathways for patients living with complex chronic illness
• Listening to and partnering with patients who have led the advocacy movement from the beginning
Long COVID is not rare.
It is not psychosomatic.
And it deserves the same scientific rigor and clinical attention as any other complex chronic disease.
Today is a reminder that awareness must lead to action.
#LongCOVID #LongCOVIDAwareness #PatientAdvocacy #Healthcare #MedicalEducation
