Long Covid
Long COVID, also known as Post-COVID, refers to a range of symptoms that persist or emerge at least three months after an initial SARS-CoV-2 infection. These symptoms can affect multiple organ systems and may last for weeks, months, or even years. Commonly reported symptoms include fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath, chest pain, sleep disturbances, and gastrointestinal issues. The condition can impact individuals regardless of the severity of their initial COVID-19 illness, though those with severe cases or underlying health conditions may be at higher risk. Estimates suggest that approximately 10–20% of people who had COVID-19 may experience long COVID symptoms.
The exact causes of long COVID are still under investigation. Proposed mechanisms include lingering viral fragments, immune system dysregulation, reactivation of latent viruses like Epstein-Barr, and organ damage from the initial infection. Diagnosing long COVID can be challenging due to the wide variety of symptoms and the lack of specific diagnostic tests. Management typically focuses on alleviating individual symptoms and may involve a multidisciplinary approach, including physical therapy, mental health support, and medications. Preventive measures such as vaccination and early treatment of COVID-19 may reduce the risk of developing long COVID.
Maine Resources
MaineHealth's Participation in NIH RECOVER Clinical Trials - MaineHealth is actively involved in the National Institutes of Health's RECOVER Initiative, focusing on understanding and treating Long COVID symptoms. The MaineHealth Institute for Research (MHIR) is conducting two clinical trials under the RECOVER-ENERGIZE program, which aim to address issues like exercise intolerance and post-exertional malaise (PEM). These trials involve personalized cardiopulmonary rehabilitation programs that combine exercise training, education, and social support to help patients manage fatigue and shortness of breath. Enrollment is ongoing through July 2025 at MHIR's Scarborough research site. ACL Administration for Community
Maine CDC's Guidance on Long COVID Care - The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (MeCDC) advises individuals experiencing Long COVID symptoms to consult their primary care providers for initial evaluation and management. If specialized care is needed, referrals to Post COVID Care Centers may be considered. The MeCDC also provides online resources, including links to the U.S. CDC's information on post-COVID conditions, to assist patients and healthcare providers in understanding and managing Long COVID.
Bay State PT's Post-Acute COVID Care Services - Offers Post-Acute COVID Care services in Maine, utilizing a multidisciplinary approach modeled after the Mount Sinai program. Their services focus on aiding patients in physical recovery through tailored physical therapy programs that address deficits in daily activities, work-related tasks, and recreational activities. Treatment options include balance assessments, strength training, aerobic exercise education, and ergonomic evaluations, delivered through in-clinic visits, telehealth sessions, or a combination of both.
UNE's Interprofessional Care Approach - The University of New England (UNE) emphasizes an interprofessional approach to Long COVID treatment, integrating biological, psychological, and social support systems. This model aims to provide comprehensive care by leveraging resources available in Maine to support patients holistically. UNE's approach underscores the importance of collaborative care in addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by Long COVID.
Regional Resources
New Hampshire
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Post-Acute COVID Syndrome (PACS) Clinic - Offers a multidisciplinary approach to Long COVID treatment, involving specialists from various fields such as cardiology, neurology, and rehabilitation medicine. They also provide virtual peer support groups and creative writing programs to assist patients in coping with their experiences.
Center for Asthma, Allergy, and Respiratory Disease (CAARD) - Located in North Hampton, CAARD is conducting a Long COVID research study and offers pulmonary rehabilitation programs to support patients experiencing ongoing respiratory symptoms post-COVID.
Vermont
UVM Health Network COVID-19 Recovery Program - Offers a recovery program for individuals experiencing post-COVID health issues, providing support and treatment to aid in their recovery process.
Vermont Department of Health Resources - Provides various resources for patients dealing with Long COVID, including self-management guides and support for children experiencing prolonged symptoms.
Massachusetts
Boston Medical Center's ReCOVer Long COVID Clinic - Offers comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for individuals with ongoing symptoms after COVID-19, regardless of the initial illness's severity. The clinic brings together experts to provide coordinated treatment plans.
Brigham and Women's Hospital COVID Recovery Center - Provides a centralized location to evaluate post-COVID symptoms and coordinate care, helping patients achieve optimal recovery through various supportive resources.
Northampton and Amherst Long COVID Resources - Both cities have developed resources to assist individuals with Post-COVID conditions, offering information on treatment, care, support, and local Long COVID care centers.
Connecticut
Yale New Haven Health Long COVID Program - Caters to adults experiencing symptoms 90 days post-infection, requiring referrals from healthcare providers to schedule evaluations and coordinate specialized care.
Hartford HealthCare's COVID Recovery Center - Offers a multidisciplinary approach to Long COVID care, providing diagnostics, medical treatment, therapy, and support groups to assist patients in their recovery journey.
UConn Health Long COVID Recovery Center - Provides a centralized approach to address a wide array of Long COVID symptoms, with comprehensive evaluations and coordinated care plans tailored to individual patient needs.
Stamford Health's COVID-19 Recovery Program - Focuses on helping patients regain strength post-COVID-19 infection through evidence-based treatment options that fit individual lifestyles, addressing both physical and mental health aspects.
Rhode Island
Department of Health Long COVID Resources - Provides information on Long COVID or Post-COVID Conditions, including guidance on symptoms and resources for individuals experiencing long-term effects from COVID-19.
Survivor Corps Post COVID Care Centers - Lists various Post COVID Care facilities in Rhode Island, detailing the services and specialist access each center offers, ranging from multidisciplinary recovery to rehabilitation and therapy.
Mental Health Association of Rhode Island COVID-19 Resources - Provides tools for wellness, medication access information, mental health screening tools, and free online meditation courses to support individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
National Resources
Office of Long COVID Research and Practice (HHS) - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has established the Office of Long COVID Research and Practice to coordinate the federal response to Long COVID. This office works across various government agencies to support research, improve patient care, and disseminate information about Long COVID.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Provides comprehensive information on Long COVID, including potential symptoms, risk factors, and prevention strategies. They emphasize the importance of vaccination in reducing the risk of Long COVID and offer guidance for healthcare providers on diagnosing and managing the condition.
NIH's RECOVER Initiative - The National Institute of Health's RECOVER (Researching COVID to Enhance Recovery) Initiative is a large-scale research program aimed at understanding, treating, and preventing Long COVID. It brings together researchers, clinicians, and patients to study the long-term effects of COVID-19 and develop effective interventions.
AHRQ Long COVID Care Network - The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has funded the Long COVID Care Network, providing grants to support multidisciplinary clinics across the country. This initiative aims to expand access to comprehensive, coordinated care for individuals with Long COVID, particularly in underserved communities.
Administration for Community Living (ACL) - Offers resources for individuals experiencing Long COVID, including information on workplace accommodations and support services. They collaborate with other federal agencies to ensure that people with Long COVID have access to necessary assistance and protections.
Health+ Long COVID Human-Centered Design Program - Utilizes human-centered design to develop patient-focused solutions for those affected by Long COVID. By engaging directly with patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers, the program seeks to improve government services and support systems.
Long COVID Alliance - A coalition of patient-advocates, scientists, and organizations working together to accelerate research and improve care for individuals with Long COVID. They focus on education, policy advocacy, and the dissemination of resources to support those affected.
NYU Langone Health Post-COVID Care Program - Offers a comprehensive Post-COVID Care Program that provides evaluation and treatment for individuals experiencing long-term effects of COVID-19. Their multidisciplinary team addresses a range of symptoms and offers support for recovery.