Ongoing Battle with Long COVID 19 of COVID Patients
Tuesday marks the fifth anniversary of the World Health Organization’s declaration of the COVID-19 outbreak as a global pandemic. While much has changed over the years, several individuals continue to experience the lingering effects of long COVID on COVID Patients , requiring ongoing medical care.
One such individual is 17-year-old Olin Martin from North Carolina. Martin has contracted COVID-19 three times and has undergone multiple hospital visits and medical tests. Despite receiving various treatments, he still struggles with breathing difficulties. He is currently seeking care at the Center for Post-COVID Care and Recovery at National Jewish Health in Denver, where specialists work with patients experiencing prolonged symptoms.
Denver health officials are also cautioning the public against misinformation related to infectious diseases, emphasizing the importance of credible medical advice in addressing ongoing health concerns.
Challenges of Long COVID Symptoms in COVID Patients
For Martin, long COVID has significantly impacted his daily life. Before contracting the virus, he was an active participant in cross-country running, but his condition forced him to stop due to respiratory complications. In addition to breathing difficulties, he also experiences brain fog and a condition known as postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), which affects circulation and causes an increased heart rate upon standing.
“When I stand up, my heart rate rises, and sometimes my hands feel tight or swollen,” Martin explained.
Dr. Nathan Rabinovitch, a pediatric allergist and immunologist at National Jewish Health, notes that POTS is a common condition among young patients with long COVID. However, symptoms can vary widely, making diagnosis and treatment complex. Many pediatric patients report shortness of breath, even while at rest, and struggle to exercise at previous levels. Other common symptoms include dizziness, fainting, chronic headaches, sleep disturbances, pain in the extremities, and digestive issues.
The wide range of symptoms makes long COVID particularly challenging to manage, as medical professionals continue to develop strategies to provide relief and improve patients’ quality of life.
Continuing Treatment and Awareness
Over the past five years, Colorado has played a key role in addressing COVID-19 cases, including those experiencing long-term effects. While the number of long COVID patients has significantly decreased since the peak of the pandemic, hundreds of individuals continue to receive treatment at specialized clinics in the state.
The Center for Post-COVID Care and Recovery has helped thousands of patients navigate their prolonged symptoms, providing ongoing support and medical interventions. Although cases have declined, the presence of long COVID remains a concern for many.
“It’s something that is still happening, and people need to be aware of it,” Martin emphasized. “If you know someone dealing with long COVID, show them patience and understanding.”
As researchers and healthcare professionals continue to study long COVID, patients like Martin remain hopeful that increased awareness and medical advancements will lead to more effective treatments in the future. The fight against long COVID is far from over, but progress in treatment and awareness offers hope to those still experiencing its effects.
