The Big Story

Cracking the mystery of long covid

Aug 26, 2024

Delve into the enigmatic world of long COVID, a lingering condition affecting many post-infection. Discover how it impacts diverse demographics, even those who had mild cases. Learn about the alarming connection between reinfection and increased risk of long COVID. Researchers highlight the urgent need for effective treatments, although FDA-approved medications remain sparse. As the pandemic eases and resources dwindle, find out how dedicated scientists are navigating solutions to improve outcomes for millions.

24:26

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Quick takeaways

Long COVID encompasses a range of debilitating symptoms that can persist long after the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection, affecting anyone regardless of their initial illness severity.

Despite significant research advancements, there are currently no approved curative treatments for long COVID, highlighting the ongoing need for effective management strategies and further research.

Deep dives

Current COVID Circulation and Variants

COVID-19 continues to circulate at high levels globally, and recent data indicates a resurgence not seen since early 2020. Awareness of COVID's ongoing impact is crucial, as many people are either unaware that they are infected or do not seek testing. New variants, particularly the sub-variant KP.3, are contributing to rising hospitalizations and emergency room visits. This persistence of the virus highlights the reality that COVID continues to mutate, creating ongoing health challenges despite hopes that the pandemic is behind us.

Intro

2min

Understanding Long COVID

11min

Understanding Long COVID Prevalence and Risk Factors

2min

Understanding the Risks of COVID Reinfection and Long COVID

2min

Navigating Long COVID Treatment

6min

We've learned an awful lot about Covid-19 since the virus first hit us—but there are some things that we're still trying to solve. One of them, perhaps the most mysterious, is the phenomenon known as 'long covid'. We know much more about it now than we did in 2020, when some of those infected with the virus reported lingering symptoms, often debilitating ones.

But there is still so much to learn—everything from who's most vulnerable to it, how to protect yourself, how to effectively treat it and if we'll ever find a cure. As the pandemic has eased, fewer resources have been allocated to this disease—but there are researchers still trying to crack this case, and we'll talk to one of them.

GUEST: Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly, clinical epidemiologist at Washington University in St. Louis; chief of research and development at the VA St. Louis Health Care System

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