UNTIL MY ELDEST ALERTED me around noon today, I was unaware that March 15 marks a notable day. At least for me and the millions of others worldwide who suffer from long COVID. Today is International Long COVID Awareness Day.
I’ve been living with long COVID for more than two years now. And in that time-frame, I’ve attempted to raise awareness about this debilitating chronic condition. I will continue to do so, because it’s important for others to understand. With understanding comes compassion and support.
My lengthy list of symptoms began after I contracted COVID in January 2023. I never self-tested positive for the virus. But that is not necessary to get a long COVID diagnosis. My primary care doctor and specialists ruled out any other medical reason for my varied symptoms. The connection to COVID was clear even to me, someone not particularly medically-inclined.
Today I am mostly fine, although I still struggle with residual issues, especially in the sensory area. It took six months of vestibular rehab therapy and lots of hard work to get me to a better place. During much of 2023, I thought I would never reclaim my life. I have.
IT TOOK A TEAM
But I didn’t do it alone. First, I credit Dr. Todd Sykora at Allina Health, Faribault, for not giving up on me, for showing great compassion and care, admitting that he didn’t have the answers. His concern for my health ran, still runs, deep. His decision to refer me to physical therapy saved my life.
At Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute in Faribault, I met physical therapist Ryan Iverson who, among other areas, specializes in vestibular issues. He was the perfect fit for me and the symptoms I was experiencing. To hear him say that my symptoms were like those of someone suffering a traumatic brain injury was validating. And then the hard work began, week after week for six months. Like my primary care doctor, Ryan showed great compassion and care.
SHOW COMPASSION & CARE BECAUSE LONG COVID IS REAL
If I want to make any point here, it’s that individuals living with long COVID need the compassion, care and understanding of family and friends. What we face is real. Difficult and debilitating. Without the support of my husband and eldest daughter, I could not have managed those first nine months of living with long COVID. They did a lot for me and always supported and encouraged. If my other two adult children lived in Minnesota, I know they would have offered the same.
Today I use my experiences to encourage a young man in my community who has been dealing with long COVID for 1.5 years. He’s had to drop out of college. He’s had to, on occasion, use a wheelchair. He struggles with fatigue and brain fog and much more. I referred him to my therapist, Ryan, and he’s making progress. I also stay connected with this young man’s mom. I recognize that she needs support, too.
Thank you for reading this post. That shows you care and want to learn more about long COVID. Please support those who suffer from this chronic condition by, first, acknowledging their challenges and then encouraging them.
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IF YOU DEAL with long COVID (what are your symptoms?) or know someone who has this chronic condition, please share your thoughts. How are you managing or supporting? What do you want people to know? Let’s, together, raise awareness.
© Copyright 2025 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
I remember this day so well.
COVID and long COVID have been so hard. For so many of us.
it’s so good that you share this information, so many people are left wondering what is wrong with them and not sure where to go for help. I’m glad this holiday exists to bring more awareness to the disease that won’t seem to leave. there are doctors who now focus on this, but not many –
I definitely think awareness is increasing. And, yes, it’s good to see some medical professionals focusing on long COVID. So many unknowns remain, which why sharing our stories is so important. We can learn from one another. For example, I’m thankful a friend connected me with the Mom whose son has long COVID. I, in turn, encouraged him to see my vestibular rehab therapist. And he is being helped via therapy.
that’s information put into action – great
My thought is that if we go through something in life and can help others via that experience, then we need to do so.
Thank you for continuing to keep us aware of long Covid Audrey.
You’re welcome, Valerie. I feel like a bit on an “expert” on the topic.
You are!
My older sister who lives in Tennessee had Covid a little over two years ago. She was hospitalized for two weeks, in a rehabilitation facility for another week to regain her strength. To this day she is still extremely tired most of every day and does have some brain fog.
My sister’s next door neighbor had Covid about the same time . To this day, over two years later, she still cannot smell or taste.
Thank you for writing about long term Covid effects and all the ramifications that go along with it. It is important that everyone is aware of what may happen .
Shirley Hansen
Shirley, I am so sorry both your older sister and her neighbor struggle with long COVID. It’s hard. And, yes, awareness is important. COVID is nothing to mess around with. I am so thankful for vaccines, which are not 100 percent effective, but which prevent serious illness and death. My body does not handle viruses well, so I have to be careful. My doctor told me not to ever get COVID again, but then I did at Christmas. I was so grateful for Paxlovid. Hugs to your sister and thank you, Shirley, for supporting her. That is so important for those dealing with this often unseen chronic condition.
I think that I have had it a total of 4 times although I have never tested positive for it because I never took a test. One time was significantly worse than the others but they all had similar symptoms.
My daughter who only had it once has yet to regain her full sense of smell.
Wishing you the best in your continued recovery.
I always self-test for multiple reasons, most recently so I could get Paxlovid, given I’m older and at higher risk. Second, I want to know if I have COVID so I make sure to stay away from others. I’m sorry your daughter still has not fully regained her sense of smell. I’ve learned mostly to manage my lingering symptoms. This morning I overdid it by attending a home show and then stopping at Target to shop. It was too much noise and too much visual for my brain to handle. I was exhausted upon doing both.
I can see a point in self testing for those reasons. I rarely leave the house except for our bimonthly road trips for groceries and occasionally lunch before hand.
Then it sounds like testing probably isn’t as necessary for you.