How could we know so little about something that is affecting so many?
Since the early days of the pandemic, it's been clear that some people who got infected with the coronavirus had serious, long-term problems. Many sufferers have told me how other people, even doctors, told them it was all in their head or had nothing to do with Covid. Meanwhile, they've lost their jobs, their savings and their health. |
But scientists have known for years that viruses can cause chronic, debilitating ailments. The sad stories we hear now were heard after the horrific flu epidemic 100 years ago. Viral infections have been tied to later development of multiple sclerosis and cancer. |
I've wanted to better understand why there has been so little research and so few treatments for long Covid. It's become clear that our fragmented health system and slow-moving bureaucracy have been major obstacles. We don't even have a clear definition of what long Covid is or data on how many people have some version of it. Even this late, very few clinical trials for treatments are fully underway. |
I concluded that we need an agency like the National Cancer Institute — a National Institute for Postviral Conditions — to coordinate work not just on long Covid but also on all conditions and chronic ailments that occur after infections. That way, we could honestly tell so many looking for answers that help is on the way. |
Here's what we're focusing on today: |
Forward this newsletter to friends to share ideas and perspectives that will help inform their lives. They can sign up here. Do you have feedback? Email us at opiniontoday@nytimes.com. |
Contact us if you have questions about your Times account, delivery problems or other issues, visit our Help Page or contact The Times. |
|
No comments:
Post a Comment