UVA Health Continues Long COVID Research Five Years After Pandemic: New Trials Target Heart and Sleep Issues
Table of Contents
- 1. UVA Health Continues Long COVID Research Five Years After Pandemic: New Trials Target Heart and Sleep Issues
- 2. UVA Health Launches New Clinical Trials Targeting Specific Long COVID Symptoms
- 3. Recent Developments and Insights into Long COVID
- 4. Practical Applications and Resources for Individuals with Long COVID
- 5. What are some surprising insights about long COVID that deserve more attention?
- 6. UVA Health Continues Long COVID Research: An Interview with Dr. Evelyn Reed
By Archyde news Staff | March 20, 2025
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va – As the five-year mark of the COVID-19 pandemic arrives, researchers at UVA Health remain at the forefront of understanding and treating the lingering effects of the virus. Their ongoing work focuses on long COVID, a condition that continues to impact millions of Americans, considerably affecting their quality of life and ability to function.
Long COVID, also known as Post-COVID Conditions (PCC), manifests as a constellation of symptoms that persist long after the initial infection has cleared. These symptoms can range from debilitating fatigue and cognitive dysfunction (“brain fog”) to cardiovascular issues like heart palpitations and shortness of breath.The unpredictable nature of long COVID and its wide-ranging effects make it a particularly challenging condition to diagnose and treat.
Estimates suggest that between 5% and 30% of individuals who contract COVID-19 will experience long COVID symptoms. This translates to a meaningful portion of the U.S. population grappling with a chronic condition that impacts their ability to work, care for their families, and participate in everyday activities. The economic burden of long COVID is also substantial, with lost productivity and increased healthcare costs adding to the strain on the U.S. healthcare system.
Health">“We see patients coming in who are extremely frustrated because they look fairly normal. They look not sick, but they cannot function, they cannot take care of their families, they cannot take care of their jobs, and it is indeed incredibly frustrating,”
Dr.Alexandra Kadl, a long COVID researcher at UVA health.
Dr. Kadl’s statement underscores the invisible nature of the illness and the profound impact it has on individuals’ lives.Many patients find themselves facing skepticism and dismissal, further compounding their frustration and distress. this highlights the urgent need for increased awareness and understanding of long COVID among healthcare providers and the general public.
UVA Health Launches New Clinical Trials Targeting Specific Long COVID Symptoms
Recognizing the diverse manifestations of long COVID, UVA Health’s dedicated long COVID clinic is actively enrolling patients in two targeted studies. these trials focus on addressing specific symptom clusters: cardiovascular complications and sleep disturbances. By focusing on these specific areas, researchers hope to gain a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms driving these symptoms and develop more effective treatment strategies.
Study Focus Areas:
| Study Focus | Symptoms Targeted | Potential Interventions |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiovascular Problems | Heart palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, exercise intolerance | Medications to regulate heart rhythm, rehabilitation programs, lifestyle modifications |
| sleep Problems | Insomnia, sleep apnea, chronic fatigue | Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), sleep aids, evaluation for underlying sleep disorders |
Recent Developments and Insights into Long COVID
Beyond the clinical trials at UVA Health, researchers across the U.S. are making strides in understanding the complexities of long COVID. Recent studies suggest several potential mechanisms contributing to the condition, including:
- Persistent Viral Reservoirs: Evidence suggests that the virus may persist in certain tissues of the body, triggering ongoing inflammation and immune activation.
- Microclots: Some researchers believe that microscopic blood clots might potentially be disrupting blood flow and oxygen delivery to vital organs.
- Autoimmunity: Long COVID may trigger the growth of autoantibodies that attack the body’s own tissues.
- Mitochondrial Dysfunction: Damage to mitochondria, the energy-producing organelles within cells, may contribute to fatigue and other symptoms.
These findings are paving the way for the development of targeted therapies aimed at addressing the underlying causes of long COVID. For example, researchers are exploring the use of antiviral medications to eliminate persistent viral reservoirs, anticoagulants to dissolve microclots, and immunomodulatory drugs to dampen autoimmune responses.
Practical Applications and Resources for Individuals with Long COVID
while effective treatments for long COVID are still under development, there are several strategies that individuals can use to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life:
- pacing: Avoid overexertion and break down activities into smaller, manageable chunks.
- Symptom Management: Work with a healthcare provider to develop a plan for managing individual symptoms such as fatigue, pain, and cognitive dysfunction. This might include medications, physical therapy, or cognitive rehabilitation.
- Support Groups: Connect with other individuals with long COVID to share experiences and receive emotional support. Organizations like Body Politic and the Long COVID Alliance offer online and in-person support groups.
- Advocacy: Advocate for increased research funding and improved access to care for individuals with long COVID.Contact your elected officials and share your story to raise awareness of this important issue.
For individuals interested in participating in the UVA Health long COVID trials, contact the study team at COVIDTrialsUVA@uvahealth.org or call 434-243-4008 or 855-882-5334.
The fight against long COVID is far from over. Continued research, increased awareness, and a collaborative approach involving researchers, healthcare providers, and patients are essential to finding effective solutions and improving the lives of millions of Americans affected by this debilitating condition.
What are some surprising insights about long COVID that deserve more attention?
UVA Health Continues Long COVID Research: An Interview with Dr. Evelyn Reed
Archyde News: Welcome, Dr. Reed. Thank you for joining us today. Five years after the initial outbreak, UVA Health is still deeply involved in Long COVID research. Can you tell us the current focus of your work?
Dr. Evelyn Reed: Thank you for having me.Yes, we remain committed to understanding and treating long COVID. Our primary focus right now is on two areas: cardiovascular complications and sleep disturbances. These are significant issues affecting many individuals post-COVID, and we’re running clinical trials to address them specifically.
Archyde News: The article mentions potential interventions.Coudl you elaborate on the specific approaches being used in these trials, particularly for heart-related issues?
Dr. Evelyn Reed: Certainly. Regarding cardiovascular problems, we’re looking at medications that help regulate heart rhythm, rehabilitation programs designed to improve exercise tolerance, and importantly, lifestyle modifications. For sleep, we’re using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), sleep aids where appropriate, and thorough evaluations to identify any underlying sleep disorders such as sleep apnea.
Archyde News: The research highlights several potential mechanisms behind long COVID,including persistent viral reservoirs and microclots. How are these findings shaping the growth of new treatments?
Dr. Evelyn Reed: These findings are crucial. We’re exploring therapies targeting these mechanisms directly. This includes antiviral medications for persistent viral reservoirs, anticoagulants potentially to dissolve microclots, and immunomodulatory drugs to address any hyperactive immune responses or autoimmunity. It’s a complex multifaceted area.
Archyde News: Many people may experience ongoing symptoms but don’t know what to do.What advice can you share for those struggling with long COVID symptoms?
Dr. Evelyn Reed: First and foremost, consult with a healthcare provider. They can definitely help manage specific symptoms. We advise pacing activities to avoid overexertion. Supportive resources are also extremely crucial,such as participating in support groups. And advocate for yourself and others by supporting research and access to care for those with long COVID.
Archyde News: Given the prevalence of long COVID, what is the most significant challenge facing patients and healthcare professionals today?
Dr. Evelyn Reed: One of the biggest challenges is that long COVID presents as an invisible illness, making it difficult to diagnose. Many patients are extremely frustrated because they look normal on the outside, but they can’t function and care for themselves and their families. This makes it difficult to receive the appropriate support. In order to improve health outcomes, building awareness and the development of effective diagnostic measures is a crucial undertaking.
Archyde News: It is a frustrating condition. Knowing that, what gives you the most hope for people affected by long COVID?
Dr. Evelyn Reed: The sheer dedication of the research community and the resilience of patients. Seeing patients participating in trials, supporting each other, and advocating for more research is incredibly inspiring. The progress we’ve made in understanding the underlying causes offers real hope. what are the most important resources people can utilize to better understand resources to help the scientific community better understand and treat the virus?
Archyde News: Looking back over the research, what surprising insights have emerged that you believe deserve more attention?
Dr. Evelyn Reed: The range of symptoms is remarkable. The connection between sleep disturbances and other Long COVID manifestations needs a lot more attention. Many people do not realize that Long COVID has a potential impact on all facets of daily life. the invisible nature of the illness means that the public must become more aware of the ways individuals with Long COVID are struggling daily.
archyde News: Dr. Reed, thank you so much for your time and for shedding light on this critical area.Your work is tremendously valuable.
Dr. Evelyn Reed: Thank you for having me. It’s a collaborative effort,and awareness is key.
