Why Are Some People Still Sick Years After Getting COVID-19

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The Lingering Impact of Long COVID and What Scientists Know So Far

The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the world in ways few could have predicted, but for some, its impact never truly ended. Long after their initial infections, millions still suffer from lingering symptoms—extreme fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath, and even new, unexpected health complications. Scientists have been studying long COVID for years, yet the condition remains a frustrating puzzle.

A recent NBC News report highlights the struggles of those still experiencing symptoms years later. Despite global research efforts, a definitive cause—and more importantly, a cure—remains elusive.

What Exactly Is Long COVID?

Long COVID, also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), describes persistent symptoms that extend beyond four weeks after an initial infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms can last for months or even years and affect multiple organ systems.

Key Symptoms of Long COVID Include:

Chronic fatigue and weakness
Brain fog and memory issues
Persistent shortness of breath
Joint and muscle pain
Irregular heart rate or palpitations
Sleep disturbances and mental health changes

A Nature Medicine study found that one in five adults who had COVID-19 still experience lingering symptoms months later.

Why Are Some People Still Sick?

One of the most perplexing aspects of long COVID is its inconsistency—some recover quickly, while others remain trapped in a cycle of illness. Experts have proposed multiple theories:

Immune System Dysregulation: Some studies suggest that COVID-19 triggers an overactive immune response that continues attacking healthy cells long after the infection subsides.
Viral Persistence: Research from The Lancet suggests that remnants of the virus may linger in tissues, causing ongoing inflammation.
Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction: Conditions like POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome) have been increasingly linked to long COVID, leading to irregular heart rates and circulation problems.
Microclots and Blood Vessel Damage: A study in Circulation found that tiny clots in the bloodstream could be restricting oxygen flow, explaining symptoms like chronic fatigue.

Kaileigh Baia poses for a portrait in her kitchen with medical supplies that she uses to check her vitals in Grand Rapids, Mich. on Friday, March 7, 2025. Recently she is feeling much more herself and the joint pain, speech delays, brain fog have pretty much subsided. She still carries around a rescue inhaler everywhere she goes and regularly monitors her vitals.

The Numbers Speak for Themselves

A JAMA Network study found that 30% of COVID-19 survivors report lingering symptoms after six months.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 65 million people worldwide may be suffering from long COVID.

Women are more likely to experience long COVID symptoms than men, according to a BMJ study.

What Are Scientists Doing About It?

Despite the complexity of long COVID, researchers have made progress in identifying possible treatments. The RECOVER Initiative, a nationwide U.S. study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is exploring new ways to diagnose and treat the condition. Some of the most promising approaches include:

Antiviral Treatments: Trials are testing whether existing antiviral drugs can help eliminate lingering viral fragments.

Immune-Modulating Therapies: Medications that calm an overactive immune response may reduce inflammation-related symptoms.

Rehabilitation Programs: Many hospitals now offer post-COVID care clinics, focusing on symptom management through physical therapy, cognitive therapy, and lifestyle adjustments.

Living with Long COVID: What Can Patients Do?

While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, many long COVID patients find relief through a combination of:

Pacing and Energy Management: Overexertion can worsen symptoms, so doctors recommend a strategy called “pacing”—a method used by patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).

Anti-Inflammatory Diets: Reducing processed foods and increasing intake of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants may help.

Support Groups: Organizations like Long COVID Alliance provide resources and advocacy for patients navigating this condition.

The Road Ahead

Long COVID is forcing the medical community to rethink how it approaches post-viral illnesses. Before the pandemic, conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia were often dismissed or misunderstood. Now, with millions affected, research into post-viral syndromes is gaining momentum.

While there are no definitive cures yet, ongoing studies continue to shed light on why some people remain sick for years. As science progresses, patients and healthcare providers alike hope for breakthroughs that will finally provide relief.