Long COVID Affects 20 Million Americans as Clinicians Still Lack a Biomarker
Updated
Updated · Clinical Advisor · Jul 29
Long COVID Affects 20 Million Americans as Clinicians Still Lack a Biomarker
1 articles · Updated · Clinical Advisor · Jul 29
Summary
About 20 million Americans are living with Long COVID, Ashley Drapeau said at AAPA 2026, calling it a growing burden that still receives far less attention and funding than diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
U.S. clinicians define the condition under the HHS standard as symptoms lasting at least 3 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection across one or more organ systems, because no objective test can yet confirm or exclude it.
Neurologic symptoms and profound post-viral fatigue are among the most disabling problems, she said, with CGRP inhibitors helping many patients with chronic migraines but leaving some cases refractory.
Long COVID is recognized under the Americans with Disabilities Act, yet patients often face repeated denials, appeals and resistance from private insurers when seeking SSI or disability coverage.
Drapeau said recovery is possible but usually depends on pacing, accommodations and adequate convalescence after infection rather than a simple cure.