Long COVID: Why the Fight Is Still On
The pandemic’s initial shock has faded, yet a silent menace keeps mounting.
In 2025, the World Health Organization reported that COVID‑19 caused more than 20,000 deaths in the United States alone. Meanwhile, a massive number of people continue to grapple with its lingering effects.
A Harrowing Estimate
A December study from Harvard estimates that 15 million Americans suffer from long COVID. The symptoms are diverse:
- Constant fatigue
- Brain fog
- Shortness of breath
- Exercise intolerance
- Decline in cognitive function
Scientists remain puzzled about why some develop these problems while others do not.
Long COVID vs. Cancer
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about 18 million Americans have a history of cancer. Long COVID is almost as common, and many cases may never receive a formal diagnosis.
The Diagnostic Challenge
A doctor at the University of Washington’s Long COVID clinic states:
“There is no single blood test or scan that can confirm it. Doctors rely on the patient’s story, noting how long symptoms have lasted after a COVID infection.”
The Mayo Clinic adds:
“People can develop long COVID symptoms even if they never felt sick during their initial infection. Symptoms may appear weeks or months later, and unlike the virus itself, long COVID does not spread from person to person.”
Two Crucial Takeaways
- Vaccines remain the best defense against COVID.
- Trustworthy information matters.
The rapid development of a vaccine in late 2020 remains a monumental achievement, yet some leaders have promoted doubt instead of facts. For example, a public health site in Clark County removed links to the CDC, citing concerns about accuracy, and replaced them with alternative sources.
When health advice is guided by fringe opinions, the public may end up unsure of what to believe. It is safer to listen to trusted doctors rather than online rumors—whether the topic is COVID, long COVID, or any other health issue.
