The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the world, and for many, its effects linger well beyond the initial infection. Long COVID continues to impact millions. Here, two Michigan residents, Kaileigh Baia and Jennifer Gansler, share their journeys of resilience, frustration, and adaptation as they navigate life post-COVID.*

The Lingering Impact of Long COVID

Kaileigh Baia, a 27-year-old hospital referral coordinator from Grand Rapids, still deals with the aftereffects of a COVID-19 infection from over four years ago. Despite significant recovery, she faces asthma-like breathing difficulties and fatigue that require her to pace herself.

Similarly, Jennifer Gansler, 56, contracted COVID in March 2020 and experienced severe post-viral symptoms, including chronic fatigue, chest tightness, and muscle pain. “This whole idea of not getting better wasn’t on anybody’s radar,” Gansler said, reflecting on her struggle to find medical support.

Estimates suggest that 5% to 7% of all adults continue to experience Long COVID symptoms in 2024. Some common symptoms include:

• Fatigue and shortness of breath,
• Brain fog and memory issues, and
• Joint pain and muscle weakness.

Shifting Approaches to Long COVID Treatment

For much of the pandemic, Long COVID treatment followed a traditional medical model involving extensive testing, which often yielded little insight. Recognizing the limitations of conventional methods, some clinics, including U-M’s, pivoted toward function-based treatment. Their approach emphasizes:

• Behavioral medicine, 
• Rehabilitation, and 
• Mental health interventions. 

The clinic’s six-session recovery program teaches patients how to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

While research continues, studies indicate that severe COVID cases correlate with a higher risk of long-term symptoms. Factors such as gender, age, and pre-existing conditions also play a role, noted Dr. Nancy Fleischer, a professor of epidemiology at U-M. “We’re still trying to understand why women are more susceptible.” 

Finding Paths to Recovery

Gansler, once an avid runner, had to rebuild her health slowly. She adopted a regimen of movement, meditation, and breathing exercises. “When you wake up every day feeling hungover, it’s easy to feel despair,” she admitted. But seeing others recover gave her hope. She also took a free course that taught her practical tips for managing chronic pain.

Baia credits the former Long COVID clinic at Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital with helping her regain function. She now uses an inhaler and medication for breathing support. “It was a home base to find what you are going through, compare to what others are going through, give you resources, and then see what works and what doesn’t,” she said.

Both women emphasize patience and self-advocacy. “Be so incredibly patient,” Baia advises others. “Put yourself first. Use free time to rest, eat foods that make you feel good, speak up, and advocate for yourself.”

Five years after the pandemic’s onset, Long COVID remains a challenge, but stories of persistence and gradual recovery provide a roadmap for those still navigating its uncertain terrain.

*Hicks, J. P. (2025, March 10). They got COVID-19 five years ago, and they don’t know why they’re still sick. Michigan Live. Retrieved from https://www.mlive.com/news/2025/03/they-got-covid-19-five-years-ago-and-they-dont-know-why-theyre-still-sick.html