Long COVID’s Lingering Impact: Thousands in L.A. County Face Chronic Illness and Systemic Barriers
Six years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant number of individuals continue to grapple with the debilitating effects of long COVID, a complex chronic condition. While society has largely moved on, these “long-haulers” face ongoing health challenges, financial hardship, and a lack of adequate support, particularly in Los Angeles County.
The Reality of Long COVID
Long COVID, also known as post-COVID conditions (PCC), long haul COVID, or Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), is characterized by new, returning, or lingering symptoms that persist for weeks, months, or even years after the initial COVID-19 infection. It’s an infection-associated chronic condition triggered or worsened by viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections. Symptoms are wide-ranging and can affect multiple organ systems, commonly clustering around fatigue, cardiovascular problems, cognitive issues, and pain.
Researchers at Keck Medicine of USC’s COVID Recovery Clinic, and UCLA, one of two dedicated clinics in Los Angeles County, believe long COVID stems from an abnormal immune system response and dysregulation of the nervous system. Studies have also revealed that long COVID patients are more than twice as likely to have detectable SARS-CoV-2 virus particles lingering in their blood, potentially contributing to ongoing inflammation. Los Angeles Times
Who is Most Affected?
While long COVID can affect anyone, certain demographics appear to be at higher risk. These include women, people of Hispanic origin, individuals with severe initial infections, and those who were unvaccinated against COVID-19. Whereas, debilitating symptoms can occur even after mild initial infections. AOL News
The Struggle for Support and Recognition
Many long COVID patients encounter significant obstacles in accessing the support they need. Applications for long-term disability benefits are frequently denied, despite substantial medical documentation. Individuals report being dismissed or misdiagnosed by healthcare providers, leaving them to navigate their condition with limited guidance. This lack of support extends to financial stability, housing, and daily life. Los Angeles Times
Elle Seibert, 31, who has experienced debilitating fatigue and cardiac symptoms since 2020, poignantly described the isolation: “You’re not just becoming disabled,” she said. “You’re realizing how easily society at large and people in your life will abandon you when you cannot offer them things.” Los Angeles Times
Lawrence Totress, 51, found himself unable to function after experiencing cognitive symptoms following a COVID-19 infection in July 2022. He struggled to locate the words to communicate, even with his supervisor and insurance provider, and ultimately had his disability application denied. Los Angeles Times
County and Federal Response
Los Angeles County’s Department of Public Health recently formed a working group comprised of physicians and patient advocates to study policies and services that could better support long COVID patients. The group will focus on improving access to disability payments and enhancing healthcare provider education. Los Angeles Times
However, the outlook at the federal level is less promising. In 2023, the Trump administration closed the Office for Long COVID Research and Practice and canceled related research grants, citing the end of the pandemic. Los Angeles Times
The Path Forward
Despite the challenges, experts emphasize the ongoing reality of long COVID. Dr. Caitlin McAuley of Keck Medicine of USC stated, “There has been a societal move to go past COVID as if it’s not around anymore — but it definitely is.” She stressed the need for continued awareness and attention to address the needs of long COVID patients and prevent further hardship. Los Angeles Times
Beth Nishida, 64, who retired due to long COVID, echoed this sentiment: “The goal really, in my opinion, should be how do we fix it, not just how do we count it.” Los Angeles Times
As of March 14, 2026, there is no reliable data for the total number of long COVID cases or disabled individuals in Los Angeles County. However, estimates based on World Health Organization data suggest that up to 175,000 cases may have emerged from the first two years of the pandemic alone, a number that continues to grow. Los Angeles Times