Researchers are learning more about extended COVID and how to screen for it.
Why it matters: That would be a huge step toward understanding a complex ailment that's crippled
millions of Americans, baffled experts, and upset patient advocates who feel overlooked.
Long-term COVID is complicated by a variety of biological factors that may cause cognitive impairment, exhaustion, and respiratory issues.
Doctors will require multiple diagnosis and treatment methods.
Between the lines: One theory is that the coronavirus hides in viral reservoirs to cause the illness.
Other options: Experts say COVID-19 disrupts certain people's immune systems, reactivates herpes viruses in most people, or inflames blood vessel linings.
Researchers are testing such possibilities with antivirals Paxlovid and Valtrex and naltrexone, which reduces inflammation.