Long COVID: New research, common symptoms, long-term effects and treatments with Akiko Iwasaki, PhD

Akiko Iwasaki, PhD, returns to AMA Update to share the latest science behind long COVID, including how many people are still suffering, most common symptoms and what we know about treatments like Paxlovid. She also shares guidance for physicians on diagnosing long COVID, treating post-COVID patients and new research to watch. American Medical Association CXO Todd Unger hosts.
To see Dr. Iwasaki's previous episode, watch here: • Akiko Iwasaki, PhD, on...
00:00 AMA Update for May 22, 2023
00:58 How many people have long COVID?
01:47 Long COVID symptoms
02:28 Can Paxlovid treat or prevent long COVID?
03:32 What causes long COVID?
03:54 Four possible causes of long COVID (autoimmunity, reactivation of Epstein-Barr or herpes virus)
05:15 How to diagnose long COVID (acute COVID symptoms, post-acute COVID-19)
06:25 Guidance for physicians on long COVID (treatments, therapeutics)
08:17 Specialty centers for long COVID patients
08:58 New research on long COVID
10:41 What is the Yale LISTEN Study
12:02 Long COVID clinical trials
13:50 What's needed to best treat long COVID patients?
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[@Deborah-dg7ni]

Only long covid sufferers understand and believe how serious this is.

[@diannespalding6542]

My previously incredibly healthy 50 year old daughter has been suffering from long Covid for over a year. She is now on disability. The fatigue is bone crushing. It breaks my heart to watch this formerly physically active person go so far down. It has been life changing. As a respiratory therapist, she has a good handle on what she needs to do and can discuss with her doctors. She’s luckier than most.

[@Jolie.jglucky]

My heart goes out to ALL LONG COVID SUFFERERS ❤❤❤

[@26skogen]

Many people in my state think both COVID and Long COVID are a big joke. They discount what is happening to us and essentially say it is all in our head. That certainly doesn’t make it easy on this of us who have it. Too few doctors understand it here either. I am over 2 years into this with no sign of it letting up.

[@user-sd7kf9rh9g]

Fifty years ago at the age of 14 I had a bad virus...it was not identified. I have really battled since then with severe fatigue and brain fog. So many weird symptoms. Doctors never believed that there was anything wrong so I am delighted with the recognition and research that is finally happening. A very simple life with rest when needed has been my main help.

[@marcbrown9915]

3 years of this i just want to feel whole again😢

[@Hdshalom]

I’ve had long covid 2x, this second time I’m on month 12. I have chronic fatigue, really bad anxiety and panic attacks, migraines. I cannot work as a dental hygienist anymore and now just got hyperacusis. I need more advanced medical help. I’m thankful for doctors like this.

[@andreameason9589]

Finally a intelligent , calm talk about long Covid. I’ve been treating myself by listening to my body ,keeping inflammation down and letting my body find its way slowly back to health or its new normal of health . Keep up your excellent work / research . Good to hear that you listen to your patients and get into the gray areas of the multi symptoms that is long Covid and not just the text book black and white.

[@ark194]

Can't appreciate this woman enough! TY AMA for this video update. I wish there were support groups, and we definitely need help financially. I made $2,000 this year so far.

[@katiedid8192]

Glad the medical community is finally looking into LC. So many of us are struggling with little support from physicians. After 2 yrs my LC symptoms finally seemed to disappear ( initial GI symptoms/ fever/ fatigue) but then I was exposed to the latest strain in 2022 ( sinus infection, conjunctivitis, fatigue, short period of low grade temp- cultured Covid) which triggered LC symptoms plus intermittent upper respiratory( Inflamation) symptoms. Mostly treating symptoms myself as MDs don’t seem to know how to help or are unwilling to treat. Thanks to the politics. Good information, thank you.

[@yomamabaker99]

Thank you Dr. Iwasaki for all of this information and for all your work. A nonprofit for Long Covid needs to be started!

[@BrianJones-wk8cx]

Thank you for posting this interview, and thanks to Dr. Iwasaki and the team at Yale for all their work on this. Of all the interviews I’ve heard on the topic, this is one of the rare interviews that references the holistic impact of this disease-the financial and social implications for sufferers-thank you for helping to inform the community while finding ways to treat this condition! I’ve been disabled now for three years with the condition (infected on the early end of the pandemic), and have lost my ability to work, my ability to play, and all of what defined me as a person prior to illness. I am lucky to remain grateful and perseverant, and to have family that assists me in the season of life when I should be the one assisting them. The burden is not one to be taken lightly. Much love and strength to all those survivors still hanging tough!

[@Turtledove2009]

Thank you to Dr. Iwasaki for her work and this channel for keeping everyone aware that this second pandemic exists and continues.

[@fanatla3195]

Dr. Iwasaki is one of the best things that happened in this pandemic: a real doctor full of wisdom.

[@rtrouthouse1506]

Why aren't doctors talking about the severe joint and muscle pain!!

[@lindakelley2676]

I thought I had long covid , my symptoms lasted almost 11 months, but seem to be getting better doctors cant say what the normal time is so I hope for those suffering they get relief. Its not easy feeling like a worthless lump of flesh, sick all the time. Ive already got fibro and M/E so the bar was low to begin with , any additional pain and suffering is unbearable. Its a fatigue you cant power through and impossible to have quality of life. Our medical system is useless with chronic pain and fatigue and doesnt seem to care, and we are too tired to fight the system. A torturous existance .

[@ebthedoc4992]

Thanks, Prof.Akiko Iwasaki, especially for mentioning (11:45 ff.) the similarities between Long-COVID and Post-Vaxx Complications. This old, retired Urologist’s Dad was tops in Allergy / Immunology, and I’ve been yelling online for ~three years, about the concomitant disease of the last Great Pandemic: the so-called “Sleepy Sickness,” or Heine Medin Disease (a Great-Granduncle was a victim!). That didn’t peter out until 1929! I strongly suspect that all three ailments are related: a disseminated, (auto-)immune endovasculitis / -coagulopathy of our smallest blood-vessels. That, by its very nature, would be pleochronic / pleomorphic, and some of our colleagues are ‘studiously’ ignoring far too much of what’s happening!

[@James-ke5sx]

The biggest problem is we are constantly adding more people to the list of long covid suffers and when we get to a certain percentage it will cause havoc in the workforce throughout the world. The chance of going from birth to old age without getting long covid seems virtually impossible from now on

[@rocketkun5652]

A big thank you to every one behind the research and camera. Also , the people who made this content available for general public. I got infected in a last year and left with this long Covid. Every college student including me with a long Covid are know how hard is school when you have this long Covid. The anxiety of thinking about my future and the constant irritation from not performing well at school is definitely concerning me very heavily. Also, it scares me a lot. I hope this long Covid get diagnosed soon and those people like me recover from this mental burden.

[@GM-jv9jz]

My long covid is: loss of smell and taste, tinnitus 24/7, fatigue, memory fog, headaches, bad anxiety. Ive had these since Oct 2021. And I did not do the vaccines .

[@vf12497439]

I’m interested in the brain fog symptom. I couldn’t remember my address the other day. This was frustrating and terrifying. It dawned on me my address was on my drivers license. I couldn’t pull one number from memory to even jostle the memory. I hope this goes away.

[@dianecarubia1099]

i am suffering from ME/CFS and have done for 20 years. I've lost my medical career, long covid is just the same! i have had every symptom going on, but i know from years of experience it has to do with my immune system ( as if i get a cold the symptoms improve), oxygen is involved as when i holiday in Europe near the sea my symptoms improve also my nervous system. i 59 and time is running out for me but lets hope they find answers to prove to the medical profession this exists !

[@danielgormley9731]

Wow, it's excellent to see that there is some good research going into LC. Hopefully it helps us sufferers get closer to a treatment soon

[@christinefunk7521]

Thank you for addressing long covid! The Neuro and cardiac issues are real. I have had issues ever since I caught covid taking care of covid patients 11/2020, and continue to have S/S of long covid to this day.

[@Sharla1213]

I’m so sorry. Thank you for being there for us.

[@thetruth4865]

i appreciate how she explained there is investigation on 4 root causes ... this was one of the highlights of the talk

[@jennysteves7226]

A great interview. Please have Dr Iwasaki back soon. We greatly appreciate her work, clarity and dedication to the many who still suffer.

[@caroa5097]

Excellent thank you so much I'm really grateful for this. I'm living with long covid and a heart condition after catching covid. This was a thoroughly professional interview and so many people will appreciate this compassionate approach Dr Iwasaki.

[@winniecash1654]

What do we do if we suffer with long covid? I have to work for a living, yet can hardly get through 8 hours of work a day, 40 hours a week. 😢

[@Tom-st9kv]

Hi Sir and Mam, I am from India , i am having Post covid , but no one is believing they are thinking that I am malingeringa, physicians and hospitals are also not sensitised about this disease.I am a family Mam, i am not able to do regular day to day activities 😢😢😢..No psychological support since everyone saying you are malingering....😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢

[@georgjrgensen8507]

Thank you, doctor Iwasaki, for your efforts. As an LC (PCS?) patient I hope you and your fellow researchers find treatments that help us patients to recover from this misery.

[@loopba]

Could easily be one hour episode of this important topic

[@carolelegault9545]

Doctor Akiko Iwasaki, THANK YOU! I,m one year in: the headaches are soo bad and being tired all the time is not much fun..tired to the point of dosing off while eating..

[@user-yw9ys3dz7x]

Wonder how many people with LC went homeless......I'm about 10 months away.

[@neilritson7445]

Nice to have my symptoms confirmed. Thanks for posting this.

[@anniehills3580]

There are so many with LC, you are not alone, and we believe you!❤❤

[@tin.illana]

thank you for this update. I have long covid since January of 2022, still dont have sense of smell, extreme fatigue and cognitive impairment. I do hope there will be clinics here in the Philippines for LC.

[@boogiebegs]

thank you both for promoting public awareness to LC... you are deeply appreciated by us in the community...

[@Seagoatsunday]

I have long covid and would totally take paxlovid! its been a year and a half of hell!

[@barbaradieckmann9020]

I think first and foremost the CDC needs to educate the physicians because my Dr. just entered my complaint into his computer and went on with different questions. Completely ignoring my symptoms and I’m frustrated.

[@mattpereira9341]

Thank you Dr Iwasaki!

[@Jolie.jglucky]

I’m not the same. I can’t get any help for this either .❤❤❤

[@sublimestudi000]

i have long covid and it's been over 2 years

[@steveaustin5344]

Thank you for doing such important research Dr Iwasaki. Better differential diagnosis then targeted treatment sounds like a smart way to go, and it should help many people reduce their suffering. Thank you.

[@anniehills3580]

❤❤Dr Iwasaki, thank you all for your dedication to this research! I feel better knowing what you have learned so far.😊

[@sherriroberts7632]

8/29/23 - Nurse with long Covid despite minor symptoms during both infections. Received both vaccines but held on booster as I had 2 nd infection by then. Now brain fog never lifted after 1 st infection. Fatigue is unreal. 2 nd infection Myocarditis. I continue to work through it. There’s no one around my area to really help . Neurophysiologist stated I was the 3 rd that he saw with the brain fog and hoped it go away. It hasn’t in fact worse. I continue to push through nursing daily but it becoming unbearable and quite frankly scary with the memory being a nurse I need to stop for safety reasons but how do I go on paying bills and feeding family? Is there any help out there - medication- no one knows around here?

[@embun1945]

Thank you for posting the interview with Dr Iwasaki, professor of immunology. Thanks for keep informing American people the TRUTHS.

[@AgentLazarus]

Thr fatigue and nausea while having NO FEVER is the worst part.. god damn manI need to work.

[@westwarrior5776]

I’m 25 and I had Covid in 2021 for about a day or two and after that I’ve had GI issues, brain fog, irritability and minor headaches

[@Red-et2rd]

I have had this crap for over five weeks and still dealing with fatigue, tightness in my chest and sinus problems. Had do you get back to normal?

[@johnmitchell2741]

thank you for this video

[@lovelight...1940]

Thank God for these people who are diligently studing the impacts of these types of diseases as they arise God forbid that any others do.. And working to find treatments and whatever else is needed to help patients who are impacted negativity by them to overcome,, to live more comfortably with the different impacts that may arise. God bless all of you and your wonderful families for their patience in the processes of you guys doing these studies.🤲❤️🤲

[@vanlo1178]

I’ve had all the same symptoms since having meningitis 6 yrs ago. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and CFS/ME. I guess from the trauma and stress it put on my body. I’m not sure if they’re right, but now I have autoimmune issues too. The fatigue is insane. If you over do it the body pain is horrible. No cure for either of them unfortunately. It’s interesting they mentioned EBV my inactive cell count when they check is so high it’s flagged. I really think that plays a huge part, but they don’t have any idea.

[@kakhipudhi]

Thank you

[@thomasstevenrothmbamd2384]

Amen! I believe "long-COVID" (which I believe should be reserved for cases of proven persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection) and all other post-COVID-19 syndromes (including related diseases such as invasive fungal diseases normally only seen in chronically immunocompromised patients) are indeed the next pandemic which will require physicians to rethink traditional infectious disease standards of care.

[@5-waymusic421]

I hope they can figure out how to get rid of the brain fog

[@raloufen4292]

Thank you for continuing to study this.

[@user-kv1hy3vu1k]

How many got the vaccines ?

[@peggylee6086]

Such an informative video for everyone . I was very impressed with Dr. Iwasaki’s compassionate comments concerning support needed for those struggling with long covid . The interviewer asked some great questions.

[@cybco]

I know I have it, but because no one believes me I find myself suffering from severe guilt. My prior PCP tried to diagnose me as suffering from depression and prescribing drugs for it. Never tested me for depression.

[@leahpitman2731]

I came down with first time covid January 2022 and had severe fatigue for 6 weeks. I did not receive vaccination. I did not take any antiviral while I had active virus. The severe fatigue got better however I have brain fog, loss concentration, insomnia that is obviously from covid!!!! I also have had fibromyalgia for over 30 years. I still suffer with fatigue, just not as severe as first 6 weeks of recovering from covid.

[@nancychace8619]

Good report. Thank you to Dr. Iwasaki for her work and a good explanation. Those of us who have long covid are well aware the pandemic continues. Question: What is the status of the current trials with Paxlovid? When do you expect results? Does the trial involve various dosages? This could be a challenge for people with hypertension as Paxlovid has been shown to increase peoples' blood pressure. But, frankly, long covid doesn't do much for your blood pressure either if you have it. Thanks for your work and for sharing.

[@anniehills3580]

How should a person with LC explain to doctor the symptoms that they are having, without the doctor turning them out with no help.

[@user-ts4rd7sv5n]

Wonderful lady Professor Iwasaki. Thank you.

[@oneness1_]

My sense of smell has not fully returned for almost 2yrs. I still experience dyspnea, shortness of breath and extreme fatigue and generalized weakness. Took the first 2 vaccines but stopped. Contemplating taking the latest vaccine.

[@drala108]

That's right.

[@bryanwalker6125]

I was so ill with Covid a year ago that I wanted to die; I recovered. How can I differentiate Long Covid from the symptoms of old age as I am 84? Fatigue, headaches, vertigo, nausea, itching skin and constipation are normal for my age group.

[@najeehatalat6206]

Thank you Dr Iwasaki. Do you look at fecal viral shedding ?? What's your experience

[@davidkohl8962]

I found a study in Japan that confirms chronic epipharyngitis is a factor in long covid that could be the cause of symptoms in some patients.. would be great to hear Dr Iwasaki's thoughts?

[@jasonhoff6407]

It sucks not being able to smell or taste, then throw in not being able to think straight.

[@adamwhitfield5571]

Anyone have successful treatment of this? My finace is suffering so much, and im not seing any clear pathways to get her healed.

[@nickspitzer1896]

How can i be apart of this study

[@claudyaq]

Is left ventricular reduced ejection fraction a long covid symptom?

[@danjtomlinson]

💙💙💙🙏

[@mrbard1]

I have long covid.

[@user-il7jk6nr5n]

Is Costochondritis one of medical conditions associated with long haul COVID19?

[@arwenanduin]

I still have sharp pain in the center of the chest right through to the back with too much exertion. It seems to be referred, not the heart. So is it costochonditis? But it gets far worse with humidity--so is it a new kind of pleurisy?

[@mariondustmite5999]

22 months Am so tired of being sick. Lots of muscle and bone pain the tired sleepy is a bummer. Have little energy, which gets depleted rather quickly. on and on it goes. The list is long....

[@traianliviudanciu8665]

Did we know at what tissue temperature did SARS COV2 better replicate? At TWiV 659 at min.29 virologist Christian Drosten suggest a very low tissue temperature. Theoretically high body temperature can mitigate SARS COV2 infection.

[@traianliviudanciu8665]

Did crioglobuline occur after SARS COV2 infection?

[@suzan2336]

Needs to be investigation into long covid and vax injury? Also covid with vax and without... susceptibility to long covid studies why?

[@kylen4701]

The Paxlovid study should be completed by now or soon? Anyone have an update on it? Thanks!

[@georgecovetskie6717]

Great Video. Collective truths and right to the point. Escpecially the financial portion. Seems this is effecting people to where they lose their jobs and that includes medical insurance. I think since this needs to be strongly addressed as to the responsability from how we got the covid and begin the talks from there. Also the social talks. It seems to one of those things that if you do not get the long term issue, it does not get any sympathy or interest from these people.

[@saschaesken5524]

Safe and effective

[@bryanswanson8016]

As we get older will long covid have a greater impact on us

[@artssite24]

whats the cure ?

[@CupcakeSprinkleUwU]

Does anyone else have a constant smell of cigarette smoke for weeks on end? Im trying to figure out what the hell is wrong with me without going to a doctor unless absolutely needed. 0_0 And I've seen many connections between tobacco odors and covid, so im curious if they are true.

[@karenshepherd9064]

😊

[@takahirosakai8517]

Did someone ever study and exolore the possibility that the symptoms of the Long COVID might be the long--term adverse effects of COVID vaccines administered?

[@Analoguedialog]

As a sufferer myself, I doubt this will ever be fixed. It's the human way, doesn't affect them so it's faux sentiments and self promotion in touting help.

[@pelicannurse7397]

Why aren’t you recommending mask use for everyday use prior to infection?

[@LostNspace94]

The AMA is a joke

[@sardotabil6347]

I strongly believed,daily exercise, eat variety of fruits and vegetables,Good hydration is important for overall good health.Making sure you get fresh air, sunshine(vitamin D) and enough sleep are the best method to maintain strong immune system especially to the elderly.This is an immune booster fits all.

[@dianaray1394]

Disappointing interview

[@lucar.923]

🤡