As more and more Americans continue to experience Long COVID with varying degrees of severity, these prolonged symptoms impact millions of individuals and families who remain at a loss regarding why these effects persist and what they can do about them. In response to the growing number of long-haulers facing this uncertainty, The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has established a nationwide network of clinical studies to help investigate the long-term effects of COVID-19. Learn more about the program and how you can participate in studies in your area.* 

What Is the RECOVER Studies Program?

RECOVER Studies is an ongoing series of clinical trials funded by the NIH. The organization has set up studies throughout the U.S., with the overarching goal of learning how to improve the treatment, diagnosis, and management of Long COVID. According to its website, specific questions the initiative hopes to answer include: 

• Why do some people get Long COVID and others don’t?
• What symptoms do people feel when they get Long COVID, and how long do they feel sick?

The study ultimately helps to align healthcare providers, policymakers, patients, advocates, and researchers around a baseline of information that can inform care, legislation, research, and support efforts. 

Diversity and Inclusion are Pillars of the Effort

The initiative is among the largest to date to research the effects of Long COVID and aims to include individuals of all ages, genders, and cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. The NIH reports that compared to the Caucasian population: 

• American-Indian and Alaskan-Native communities are over three times more likely to be hospitalized for COVID symptoms.
• Black or African-American communities are nearly 2.5 times more likely to be hospitalized. 
• Hispanic and Latino communities are over two times more likely to be hospitalized. 

Though there is less of a disparity between Asian-Americans and the Caucasian population, they still experience increased rates of hospitalization (0.8 times more likely). 

Who Can Participate and What Would I Have to Do?

RECOVER Studies seeks involvement from people who have Long-COVID and from those who haven’t been affected by the disease. NIH is currently searching for up to 40,000 participants of all ages and backgrounds. Involvement in the study can last up to four years and include: 

• Periodically going to your selected testing site to answer questions
• Urine, blood, stool, and saliva samples when needed 
• Certain types of imaging tests (x-rays, ultrasound, etc.) 
• Simple medical exams and periodic check-ups 

Participation at all stages of the study is completely voluntary, and you can opt out of any tests. It’s important to note that treatment for your Long-COVID symptoms is not included in the study model. 

How Can I Get Involved?

There are currently over 80 studies across 30 states, and more testing sites are being established on a regular basis. To find a study in your area, view the map feature on the RECOVER Studies site and enter the specific group you want to join, along with your zip code. Patient involvement is critical to finding the answers that so many are seeking. 

*National Institutes of Health. (2022). Welcome to RECOVER Studies. Retrieved from https://recovercovid.org