A recent, large Israeli study published in the journal BMJ reported that most cases of Long COVID resolved within a year for people who had mild initial infections. That said, much about Long COVID is still unclear, and millions of people are still wrestling with their symptoms. To help patients manage this condition, Ohio’s WFMJ sought the advice of David Rosenberg, M.D., MPH, Medical Director of University Hospitals COVID Recovery Clinic.*

https://www.wfmj.com/clip/15369957/dealing-with-long-covid-symptoms

Symptoms subsiding over time (0:58)

Rosenberg says his own observations concur with the BMJ findings. “Many, many patients are getting better. There’s no question about it.” In the study, however, he noted that a significant number of people were still dealing with Long COVID a year after infection.

Common Long COVID symptoms (2:08)

The most common lingering symptoms Rosenberg’s team has observed after COVID are: 

• Chronic fatigue (“probably number one”)
• Weakness
• Muscle aches
• Cognitive dysfunction
• Breathlessness
• Sleeping difficulties
• Loss of smell and taste

Alopecia, or hair loss, is also common, particularly among women. Additionally, research shows more serious long-term complications of COVID-19 such as blood clots, pulmonary emboli (clotting in the lungs), and cardiac arrest, says Rosenberg. “It’s something that patients and physicians need to be aware of.” 

Longhauler study update (3:08)

Concerning the ongoing University Hospitals COVID-19 Recovery & Longhauler Study, Rosenberg says its purpose is to collect data on patient characteristics. Treatment research is “forthcoming.”

Thus far, however, his team has observed interventions he says are “critically important” to recovery.

• Integrative health (mind-body therapies)
• Behavioral therapies
• Exercise tailored to individual needs and aimed at gradual improvement

Rosenberg also notes that COVID rates have been on a steady decline after peaking again in late 2022. In the U.S., about 4% to 14% of people with COVID-19 go on to develop Long COVID symptoms.

*WFMJ. (2023, January 20). Dealing With Long COVID Symptoms [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.wfmj.com/clip/15369957/dealing-with-long-covid-symptoms