EnergyMD Podcast Long Covid: A Parallel Pandemic (MD Reacts 2 Years Later) - #145
Jan 15, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Akiko Iwasaki, a Yale immunobiology professor and authority on Long COVID, shares her insights on the ongoing challenges posed by this condition. They delve into the emotional and physical toll on those affected, illuminating the complex array of symptoms and mental health implications. The conversation also explores potential causes, including autoimmunity and gut health, advocating for a comprehensive approach to treatment. The duo emphasizes the urgent need for research and awareness in addressing Long COVID's far-reaching effects.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Debilitating Impact
- A former flight attendant and yoga instructor now needs a walker due to long COVID.
- She also experiences tremors, highlighting the severe impact of the condition.
Mental Health and Long COVID
- Long COVID's mental health impact is significant, with a study showing 35% of COVID patients developing new mental health diagnoses within six months.
- It's unclear whether this is due to the debilitating symptoms or the virus's direct effect on the central nervous system.
Varying Prevalence Rates
- While the CDC suggests 20% of adult COVID survivors may develop long COVID, other studies indicate higher rates, reaching 30-35%.
- This discrepancy highlights the ongoing challenge in accurately assessing the prevalence of long COVID.