Long COVID Symptoms? You’re Not Alone—And You’re Not Imagining It

What Is Long COVID?

Welcome back. It’s awesome to have you with me today. Thank you for taking time outta your schedules to listen to this podcast. I’m excited to bring you information on an emerging topic, and you’ve probably heard about it by now. It’s called Long COVID. Obviously, five or six years ago, when COVID hit the world, everything changed.

One of those changes was the emergence of this new condition: Long COVID.

From the Long COVID Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping those affected:

“The World Health Organization states Long COVID can affect anyone exposed to SARS-CoV-2, regardless of age or severity of original symptoms. The definition of Long COVID is the continuation or development of new symptoms three months after the initial infection, lasting at least two months, with no other explanation.”

This is a major, emerging problem worldwide.

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Common Symptoms

Common symptoms of Long COVID include fatigue, shortness of breath, and cognitive dysfunction.

But more than 200 different symptoms have been reported that can impact daily functioning.

Studies show that 10–20% of people infected by SARS-CoV-2 may go on to develop symptoms that qualify as Long COVID.

Globally, more than 17 million people across the WHO European region and about 23 million people in the United States may be living with Long COVID.

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How Dr. Jones Became Involved

It took time for Long COVID to be recognized.

At the beginning of the pandemic, Dr. Jones’ background in immunology and his experience pioneering treatments for food allergies brought patients to him who felt dismissed or unheard elsewhere.

“They would go to their doctor and often not be believed. They would be discarded or not validated. And so patients started coming to me saying, ‘We know you think outside the box. Can you help?’”

He began learning from these patients, developing diagnostic and treatment patterns that have continued to evolve.

“The best teachers of medicine are not textbooks. They’re the patients.”

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The Challenge of Long COVID

This condition is multisystemic—it can affect nearly every part of the body.

Patients often experience clusters of symptoms that vary widely and can shift over time.

“We could do an evaluation at one particular given point in time, but that doesn’t necessarily stay the same. It can evolve. It can change.”

Some patients develop new symptoms months later, requiring reevaluation and ongoing flexibility in treatment.

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Collaboration and Emerging Treatments

Dr. Jones emphasizes collaboration—with patients, other physicians, and patient advocacy groups like the Long COVID Foundation.

After years of treating this condition, he and like-minded colleagues have developed structured diagnostic approaches and tailored treatment frameworks that evolve with each patient’s needs.

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Common Long COVID Symptoms

Patients may experience a wide range of issues, including:

• Brain fog and cognitive dysfunction
• Chronic fatigue or post-exertional malaise
• Shortness of breath
• Altered sense of smell or taste
• Reactivation of other viruses
• Insomnia
• Gastrointestinal problems (pain, bloating)
• Mast cell disorders
• POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome)
• Angioedema
• Autoimmune diseases (Sjogren’s, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)
• Lung symptoms
• Small fiber neuropathies
• Chronic headaches

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Overlap with Post-Vaccine Syndrome

Some patients experience overlapping symptoms after vaccination, known as Post-Vaccine Syndrome or Post-Vaccination Syndrome.

Dr. Jones notes that while there are similarities, there are also key distinctions between the two groups, and both deserve careful evaluation.

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A Message of Compassion and Validation

“If you or a loved one are struggling with these symptoms, know that you’re heard. You are validated. You absolutely need help—and you need a voice.”

Dr. Jones and his team work to ensure that no patient feels dismissed or abandoned.

They offer clinical evaluation, diagnostic testing, and individualized treatment options—and collaborate with local physicians when needed.

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Getting Help

If you believe you or a loved one may be experiencing Long COVID symptoms, you can reach out through:

• 🌐 myimmunenetwork.com — for clinical care and telehealth
• 🌐 drdougjones.com — for strategy sessions and resources

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Final Thoughts

“This is an evolving science. We must keep an open mind, collaborate, and work together. Patients are not to be discarded anymore—they are to be heard.”

Until next time, look forward to seeing you again.

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