Since the early days of the pandemic, long Covid has haunted us: Even a mild acute infection might leave you with life-altering consequences. While research suggests long Covid rates are falling, it still affects millions. But what if long Covid isn’t the right way to think about what those people are going through? This week, Torie spoke with Steven Phillips and Michelle A. Williams, authors of a recent First Opinion essay titled, “Long Covid is a new name for an old syndrome.” They discuss the history of post-infectious disease syndrome, what rethinking long Covid might mean for research, and the ways the health care system fails chronically ill patients.

86: Why long Covid might predate the pandemic

A weekly podcast about the people, issues and ideas that are shaping health care.

86: Why long Covid might predate the pandemic

First Opinion Podcast