“It’s like I have to start over, physically.” With no ability to taste, a narrowed and scarred esophagus, and much of her energy being drained quickly and easily, she is still suffering from many COVID-19 side effects, months after contracting it. After testing positive for COVID-19 in March, Heidi still struggles with getting to participate in the things she loves. Hear from long haulers right here in Utah about what they wish others knew about COVID-19 and their plea to the public.Īs an avid hiker, cyclist, skier and snowboarder, Heidi has a passion for the outdoors. They welcome anyone to share their story and connect with others who have had similar experiences. They have become a support group to each other and believe there is power in numbers to bring light to the severity of COVID-19. There are several social media groups that connect people all over the world to discuss symptoms, experiences, coping mechanisms, and possible treatments. How can I connect with other long haulers? These side effects have a devastating impact on these individuals and their families.

Some of the effects long haulers continue to experience are: chronic fatigue, hair loss, blood clots, hearing deficits, tremors, body aches, tachycardia, heart palpitations and other cardiac issues, insomnia, cognitive issues, short term memory loss, vertigo, random adrenaline rushes, dysautonomia, anxiety, blurry vision, brain fog, and more. Long haulers are battling symptoms for not just days or weeks, but months. What are some of the effects that long haulers are dealing with? Now, months after initially contracting the virus, these long haulers say they are nowhere near returning to their familiar lifestyle. Many of these people lived very active lifestyles prior to getting sick hiking, traveling, regular exercise routines, and more. Some studies 1 and surveys with patients show that 50-80% of people continue to have bothersome symptoms up to three months after they contracted COVID-19, even though the virus is no longer in their bodies.

Individuals who are referred to as “long haulers” are those who continue to suffer debilitating effects of the disease months after being infected with the virus.

While many who have contracted COVID-19 appear to be “recovered” after one to two weeks, there are many who would say they are far from being in that category. There is no way to know how COVID-19 will impact you.

Coronavirus after effects