Long COVID – Part 1 of 2, What We Know, What We are Learning

Dr. Heather Prendergast, an emergency medicine physician, Dr. Stephanie LaBedz, a pulmonary and critical care physician, and Dr. Christina Wells, a family medicine physician, all from the University of Illinois at Chicago, share their experiences and insights on long COVID.  Their goal is to help primary care physicians be more equipped in dealing with patients who present with long COVID symptoms.

We know COVID-19 vaccines help reduce the chances of developing severe cases of COVID and long COVID.  However, approximately 1 in 5 adults that have COVID are at risk of developing long COVID.  The symptoms may present in many ways, often not directly after having COVID.  That can delay the diagnosis in a lot of patients.  Individuals can have relatively mild courses, or even be asymptomatic, and still develop symptoms associated or consistent with long COVID.

It is important to understand the broad differential, listen to patients when they say, "Something doesn't feel right," and be familiar with the full variety of symptoms in order to help our patients.
Topics include:
- What is long COVID – what does that really mean?
- Clarification on what is commonly referred to as long COVID
- Some of the most common symptoms of long COVID
- Overview of major systems that are impacted
   
What should I know as a family physician?
When should I refer a patient to a specialist?
What are common complications?
Are there any treatments I should be aware of?
Are certain patients more susceptible to getting long COVID?

 Meet the Faculty

Learning Objectives:
Understand what long COVID is
Identify the most common symptoms of long COVID
Determine the best ways to assist patients presenting with long COVID symptoms
Recognize the impacts long COVID can have on multiple systems in the body

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Resources:
Webpage- Long COVID – Part 1 of 2, What We Know, What We are Learning
CDC- https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/index.html
- Underlying Medical Conditions Associated with High Risk for Severe COVID-19
For patients: People with Certain Medical Conditions at Increased Risk for Severe Illness 

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