Living with Long COVID: The Struggle of New Jersey Residents
Introduction
Before she caught the coronavirus, Rut Mulero was a globetrotter with a passion for helping others. She had worked with the Peace Corp in Ukraine, volunteered with HIV-infected orphans in West Africa, and earned her masters from Johns Hopkins University.
However, in the three years since Mulero was first diagnosed with COVID-19, her life has been dramatically altered. She has had to take disability leave from her job, and her dreams of hiking Machu Pichu in Peru have been put on hold. Even simple tasks like talking to friends on the phone have become exhausting on certain days.
The Prevalence of Long COVID in New Jersey
According to a study conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics and the national Census Bureau, up to 14% of adults in New Jersey may experience long COVID after an initial infection. This suggests that there could be at least 1 million people in the state living with prolonged COVID-19 symptoms.
However, this number could be an underestimate, as many people with long COVID may not realize they had COVID-19 in the first place due to being asymptomatic or experiencing only mild symptoms.
The Challenges in Diagnosing and Treating Long COVID
The symptoms of long COVID can be challenging to diagnose, and there is no definitive diagnostic test for the condition. Symptoms can vary widely and may include shortness of breath, brain fog, joint pain, prolonged loss of smell and taste, and fatigue.
Dr. Sabiha Hussain, the director of the Long COVID Program at Robert Wood Johnson University Health and Rutgers Health, emphasized the difficulty in identifying and treating long COVID, as the symptoms can overlap with those of other diseases and conditions.
The Struggle to Find Medical Attention
Patients with long COVID often face challenges in finding doctors who are knowledgeable about the condition and feel comfortable treating it. Primary care doctors may not have the time or expertise to handle the complexity of long COVID symptoms during regular appointments.
Patient support groups on Facebook can provide recommendations for doctors who are experienced in dealing with long COVID. However, even with a knowledgeable doctor, some patients may face long waiting lists or doctors who do not accept new patients.
The Impact on Mental Health
Living with long COVID can take a toll on mental health. Ryan Thomas, a long COVID patient, described intense memory and concentration issues and the impact on his daily life. Many patients may struggle to find hope for the future and adjust to a new normal.
Mulero and Thomas both stressed the importance of mental health support for long COVID patients who are dealing with the challenges of the condition and its impact on their lives.
The Clouded Future
While some patients may experience improvement or even recovery from long COVID, the long-term ramifications of the condition remain unknown. The severity of symptoms can vary greatly from person to person.
It is crucial for patients with long COVID to adapt to a new way of life and set realistic expectations. The future may require finding different methods of achieving goals and addressing limitations.
Editor’s Note: If you’re facing mental health challenges, you’re not alone. Mental health disorders are treatable and support is available. Call Mental Health Services Administration’s national helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for treatment referral and information. If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.
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Katie Kausch may be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @KatieKausch.
