Long COVID Affects Minnesotans Years After Initial Infection

Five years into the COVID-19 pandemic, many Minnesotans are still struggling with Long COVID symptoms. Dianna Beelman of Bloomington is one such case. Her symptoms began in 2022 and continue to affect her daily life.

The Minnesota Department of Health has identified common symptoms of Long COVID as fatigue, shortness of breath, brain fog, and coughing. A recent study found that 40% of surveyed Minnesotans experienced at least one symptom for three months or longer. Dr. Tanya Melnik, co-director of M Health Fairview’s Adult Post-COVID Clinic, emphasizes that Long COVID is more common than people realize.

Diagnosing Long COVID requires a thorough understanding of the patient’s medical history, symptoms, and progression over time. While there is currently no cure for Long COVID, Dr. Melnik notes that several medications are in clinical trials that may provide relief to affected patients. Awareness and education are crucial in addressing this condition, as many people still need to be heard and understood by healthcare professionals.

Source: https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/minnesotans-still-suffer-from-long-covid-for-weeks-months-and-years