About 5% of U.S. adults live with long COVID, including UC San Francisco researcher Alison Cohen, PhD. Diagnosed in January 2022 after her first infection, she battles persistent fatigue, mobility issues, and cognitive challenges like “brain fog.” Cohen’s research includes a recent study highlighting Paxlovid as a potential treatment when used longer than standard regimens. Despite five years since the pandemic began, no federal treatments are approved for long COVID patients.
Long COVID is defined by symptoms lasting three months post-infection, affecting millions globally. Common issues include chronic fatigue, exertion-induced exhaustion, and autonomic nervous system dysfunction (e.g., poor circulation). Cohen’s daily life is energy-limited—she avoids reinfections through strict precautions like outdoor activities—and she uses the “spoon theory” to manage her stamina: prioritizing tasks due to limited daily energy reserves.
Her dual role as researcher and patient drives efforts to bridge scientific methods with community needs. She emphasizes treatments will likely vary per individual, requiring a multi-faceted research approach. Cohen urges public support for long COVID patients through masking and reducing reinfection risks. While no single cure exists yet, hope lies in ongoing studies aiming to help millions worldwide.
Source: https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2025/02/429551/im-long-covid-researcher-and-i-have-long-covid