Long Covid Persists, Reshaping Lives and Demanding Innovative Care

The complex, multifaceted nature of Long Covid requires specialized clinics, rehabilitation, and a deeper understanding of this debilitating condition.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The experience of a woman's journey to scuba certification, despite the challenges of Long Covid, highlights the broader need for adaptable healthcare, community support, and a deeper understanding of this condition that continues to reshape lives. Long Covid is not a single illness but a constellation of over 200 potential symptoms, making diagnosis and treatment incredibly challenging. The rollback of federal research funding presents a significant obstacle to care, reinforcing the perception that the condition is mild enough to be ignored. Specialized clinics and rehabilitation programs are proving crucial in providing comprehensive care, while the importance of pacing and activity management is emphasized. Several trends are emerging in Long Covid care, including a focus on personalized medicine and the exploration of various therapies.

Why it matters

Long Covid is a growing public health concern that requires increased awareness, destigmatization, and continued research to develop effective long-term solutions. The complex nature of the condition and the challenges in accessing specialized care can lead to individuals living compromised lives without understanding the underlying cause, further exacerbating the issue.

The details

Long Covid is not a single illness but a constellation of over 200 potential symptoms, making diagnosis and treatment incredibly challenging. The domino effect of dysregulation within the body, where one symptom exacerbates another, is a common experience for those living with Long Covid. The rollback of federal research funding and coordination for Long Covid under the current administration presents a significant obstacle to care, hindering the development of effective treatments and reinforcing the perception that the condition is mild enough to be ignored. Specialized clinics, like the one at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, are proving crucial in providing comprehensive care for Long Covid patients, often employing a multidisciplinary approach. Cardiac rehabilitation can be a vital component of recovery, helping to combat deconditioning and improve overall physical function. Dr. Lisa Sanders of Yale's Long Covid multidisciplinary care center emphasizes the importance of 'partnering with your body' and integrating activity gradually to avoid post-exertional malaise, a significant worsening of symptoms after physical or mental exertion.

  • The experience of diving into the crystalline waters of a Florida spring offers a temporary reprieve for many, but for a growing number of individuals, it represents a hard-won victory over a debilitating illness.
  • Long Covid continues to reshape lives, forcing individuals to redefine their limits and seek innovative ways to reclaim agency over their bodies.

The players

Dr. Michael Osterholm

A professor at the University of Minnesota who points out that a significant hurdle in recognizing Long Covid is simply recognizing the condition, as many individuals are living compromised lives without understanding the underlying cause.

Dr. Lisa Sanders

A professor at Yale's Long Covid multidisciplinary care center who emphasizes the importance of 'partnering with your body' and integrating activity gradually to avoid post-exertional malaise.

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What they’re saying

“How many people are living a compromised life, but they don't recognize why?”

— Dr. Michael Osterholm, Professor, University of Minnesota (newsy-today.com)

“Partnering with your body and integrating activity gradually is paramount to avoid post-exertional malaise.”

— Dr. Lisa Sanders, Professor, Yale University (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

Researchers are exploring the potential of various therapies, including antivirals, immunomodulators, and rehabilitation programs, to address the complex symptoms of Long Covid. Increased awareness and destigmatization of the condition are also crucial, encouraging individuals to seek help and fostering a more supportive community.

The takeaway

The need for continued research, despite funding challenges, remains paramount to unraveling the complexities of Long Covid and developing effective long-term solutions. Early intervention, personalized care, and a multidisciplinary approach are key to improving the quality of life for those living with this debilitating condition.