Long Covid
Today is March 15: Long Covid Awareness Day.
For the last three years since my initial Covid infection, I’ve experienced ongoing cognitive dysfunction, severe fatigue, and other debilitating Long Covid symptoms. I’ve had to stop teaching, acting, leading live workshops, and doing a hundred other things I enjoy. Fortunately, I am self-employed, can create my own schedule, coach part-time, and slowly write my next book. But I must severely limit day-to-day activities and social engagements in order to avoid crashing and to preserve enough energy and cognitive capacity to work.
Research and understanding of the pathology of Long Covid is progressing, but there are no proven treatments. I have tried dozens of experimental treatments of all kinds. Nothing has worked, and doctors simply say, “There’s nothing we can do for you.”
Recent reports estimate at least 18 million people in the U.S. have Long Covid, many with symptoms lighter than mine and many with worse, many who are completely incapacitated. A Harvard economist estimated that the economic cost of Long Covid will be $3.7 trillion! Yep, trillion. This will affect EVERYONE.
I sometimes hear people say they don’t know anyone with Long Covid. And I want to be clear: you do! Me. And you probably know others who have it too, but it is difficult to talk about because the nature of the disease makes communication difficult and we fear being disbelieved, judged, losing our jobs, or given idiotic advice about how to get better.
Here are some things you can do:
Don’t get or spread Covid. It’s the only way to prevent Long Covid. No amount of healthy eating or exercise will keep you safe. Many people get Long Covid on their 2nd or 3rd reinfection, so just because you escaped the first time doesn’t mean you’ll escape again. #CovidIsAirborne
Love and believe the people in your life who have Long Covid. This is a lonely, confusing, and sometimes terrifying experience. Reach out with kindness, offer support, and forgive if someone has too little capacity to respond.
Donate to organizations that support Long Covid research and call on government representatives to fund research for treatment and cures. At the current snail pace of research, effective treatments are probably decades away.
Much love,
Matt
P.S. A note to readers of How to Hold a Cockroach: I sometimes get notes from you. They always delight, inspire me, and bring me joy. Because of my current limitations, it sometimes takes me quite some time to respond to messages. Please forgive me! I intend to always respond, even it takes awhile!
