Five years have passed since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic, unleashing an unforgettable chain of events.
It was an ordeal the U.S. had not endured in more than a century.
“Long COVID is known to cause over 200 different symptoms in nearly a dozen organ systems, including those of the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, eyes and skin, but there’s no approved test for it or recommended treatment.”
COVID has killed more than 7 million people, including more than 1.2 million Americans. As of Feb. 16, 2025, roughly 3,800 Americans were hospitalized due to COVID-19, according to World Health Organization (WHO) data.
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) data shows that during the week ending March 1, the rate of COVID-19-associated hospitalizations was 1.4 per 100,000 people, significantly lower than the peak of 35.6 per 100,000 people during the 2021-22 season.
Yet those diagnosed with long COVID are still seeking answers. Experts don’t understand why some people develop life-changing chronic conditions after contracting COVID-19, while others do not.
Brittanie Goldsby is a filmmaker and creative strategist living with lingering complications, including fatigue and shortness of breath, from COVID-19. She underwent stress tests and follow-up visits with a cardiologist to determine the underlying cause of her discomfort.
Goldsby caught COVID-19 in the spring of 2022. She assumed she would have a rough few days of flu-like symptoms highlighted by a fever, chills, and body aches. Instead, she started to feel something she wasn’t expecting – fatigue.
“It wasn’t just being tired; it was like my body physically couldn’t keep up,” Goldsby said. “Even getting out of bed felt like a challenge.” She said she experienced brain fog and was in a constant daze. “I kept telling myself I’d bounce back in a couple of weeks, but that never really happened.”
Long COVID can cause more than 200 different symptoms and affect the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, eyes and skin. Sadly, there’s no approved test for it or recommended treatment. Research shows long COVID is more common in middle-aged people, particularly women, and those with weakened immune systems.
About one in 20 adults in the U.S., or about 14 million, live with long COVID. Other data shows that up to 5.8 million children may be affected by the condition. However, experts say these numbers are likely underestimated because there’s no official monitoring system in place, according to the CDC.
After a few weeks, Goldsby expected to feel like herself again, but instead she still felt exhausted all the time. Walking short distances left her feeling out of breath. “I noticed my heart would start racing for no reason. At first, I thought I was just out of shape from being sick, but then my Apple Watch started sending me alerts that my heart rate was way too high,” she said.
Goldsby’s research into her symptoms led her to Reddit, where she read post after post from people describing the same symptoms she was having, and these weird heart rate spikes that doctors didn’t seem to have answers for.
Although there are diagnostic tools to confirm symptoms of long COVID, there isn’t a test that can diagnose the condition or distinguish it from similar illnesses, the CDC says.
According to a CDC LONG COVID Survey, 6% of adults in the U.S., or roughly 18 million, are estimated to be living with the damaging aftermath of catching the virus. Doctors are trying to figure out how to treat long COVID and the many areas it impacts the body.
“Trying to get answers was frustrating. I went to a doctor expecting some kind of explanation, but instead, I kept hearing things like, ‘It’ll pass’ or ‘It’s probably just anxiety’”, Goldsby said.
She pushed for more tests and second opinions. She finally found a doctor who acknowledged what she was going through.
“The whole process made me realize how many people are probably struggling with long COVID symptoms and getting brushed off by the medical system, just like I was.”
The need to pay attention to her body and advocate for herself when something feels off has been a wake-up call for her, Goldsby said.
Last month, the Trump administration terminated the Health and Human Services Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Long COVID. This could further delay the research of therapies for long COVID.
“I believe shedding light on post-COVID heart health could be incredibly valuable for those navigating these issues, especially for our Black and brown communities since we are disproportionately affected,” Goldsby said.