When Dr. Allison Cohen started researching long Covid in 2021, she never thought she would experience it herself.
But three years later, the condition has affected her daily life—making even simple tasks like running or long drives difficult.
Dr. Cohen, an epidemiologist at the University of California San Francisco, describes long Covid as an energy-limiting condition. She said: “There are fewer hours in the day to do things, and more activities that are off limits. I have to limit socializing and daily tasks.”
Her background in research helped her get diagnosed quickly, avoiding the long process many others face.
At the same time, she knows treatment options are limited. Public interest in long Covid has declined, slowing research and reducing funding.
For Dr. Cohen and up to 17 million Americans with long Covid, even basic tasks—showering, chores, and work—drain energy. She says there are days when completing just one task feels impossible.
The condition has also impacted jobs, forcing about 1 in 10 people to stop working or reduce their hours. This has led to financial difficulties, making it harder to afford essentials like housing and medical care.
One of the most common symptoms is chronic fatigue. Research from Yale University shows that around half of long Covid patients meet the criteria for chronic fatigue syndrome.
Dr. Cohen describes feeling exhausted even after a full night’s sleep. Many people also experience dizziness and brain fog.
Brain fog can make it hard to find words, remember things, concentrate, or follow conversations. Studies show that 20 to 30 percent of long Covid patients report this symptom.
Dr. Cohen compares it to “wading through shoulder-high mud.”
Long Covid can also affect the heart and lungs.
Lung inflammation can cause scarring, making it harder to breathe. The condition can also put extra strain on the heart, increasing the risk of cardiovascular issues.
One common effect is postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), which makes the heart beat unusually fast. Some patients reach 120 beats per minute even while resting.
The condition can also weaken the immune system, making infections worse.
Dr. Cohen said: “The only thing we know that makes long Covid worse is reinfection, so I do everything I can to avoid it.”
Despite ongoing research, no federally approved treatments exist yet. Scientists are still working to find effective solutions.