What We Know Now About Long COVID — Symptoms, Causes, Prevention and Treatment Options

As we enter the six year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of people are still experiencing lingering symptoms long after their initial infection. This condition, known as Long COVID or post-COVID syndrome, can affect the brain, immune system, heart, lungs, and nervous system.

Common Long COVID symptoms include:

• Persistent fatigue
• Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid heart rate or dizziness when standing
• Sleep disturbances
• Muscle and joint pain
• Neurological symptoms such as burning skin or internal vibrations

Researchers have documented more than 200 possible symptoms, which can vary widely from patient to patient. One of the challenges in diagnosing Long COVID is that standard medical tests often appear normal, even though patients continue to experience debilitating symptoms.

Why Long COVID Happens

Current research suggests Long COVID may be driven by several biological factors, including:

• Immune system dysregulation and chronic inflammation
• Autonomic nervous system dysfunction, including conditions like POTS
• Blood vessel and oxygen-delivery abnormalities
• Mitochondrial dysfunction affecting cellular energy
• Possible viral persistence or immune reactivation

Because multiple systems in the body can be affected, Long COVID is not a single disease but rather a complex, multi-system condition that often requires a personalized medical approach.

Can Long COVID Be Treated?

While there is no single “magic pill,” many patients can improve with targeted, individualized treatment plans that address the underlying biological disruptions.

At the Kaplan Center for Integrative Medicine, physicians evaluate Long COVID by looking at the whole body, including immune function, nervous system balance, inflammation, and metabolic health. This comprehensive approach can help identify the root causes of persistent symptoms and guide effective treatment strategies.

In this video, Dr. Gary Kaplan, medical director of the Kaplan Center explains:

• What Long COVID really is and what we know now
• Why symptoms can last for months or years
• How physicians can identify the underlying biological changes
• Prevention strategies for long COVID and who is susceptible
• Treatment strategies that may help patients recover

Watch the video above to learn more about Long COVID and the path to recovery.

If you think you may have Long COVID, call us today at (703)532-4892 to learn more about our long COVID diagnostic and treatment services.