02 Dec Jackie’s Story: Support Our Research into Long-Haul COVID
by Mary Burns, RN, BS, and Harry Rossiter, PhD
This is the time of year when we get multiple requests to open our wallets and be generous. PERF gives you multiple reasons for your support. But, did you know that you could also make a donation to PERF in honor of someone special?
My donation to PERF this year will be in honor of PERF Director Jackie Tosolini, RRT, and for the support of Long COVID research.
Jackie and I, because of our many years working with the rehabilitation of pulmonary patients, are volunteering in a new research program aimed at discovering effective treatments for Long COVID. It is going to be tough. Wish us well!
What is Long COVID?
Long COVID, or Long-Haul COVID, defines an awful group of symptoms that affect approximately 20-30% of those who caught COVID-19. Long COVID patients still show symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, or brain fog, over three months after first contracting COVID-19.
Who Gets Long COVID?
Long-Haul COVID-19 appears to be more prevalent and more serious in those who suffered greater symptom severity from the virus, (e.g. those who were hospitalized). This is yet another good reason to get vaccinated (and get a booster, if you are due).
The COVID-19 vaccination is extremely effective in reducing the severity of COVID-19, and therefore also reduces the likelihood of Long COVID.
Current data, however, shows that women, African Americans, and people that are 40 years or older are also at higher risk of Long COVID. The reasons for this are still under investigation.
Breakthrough Infections
Breakthrough COVID-19 infections can happen to anyone. It is estimated that about 1 in 100 vaccinated people will contract a breakthrough infection.
However, those with certain medical conditions affecting the immune system are more likely to get breakthrough infections (e.g. transplant recipients, or those with HIV, cancer, or undergoing chemotherapy).
Breakthrough infections are typically less severe, but can still be life-threatening. So, it is still very important to get vaccinated and remain vigilant about our behaviors, such as social distancing and wearing masks.
Support Long-Haul COVID Research…and Support Jackie!
Sadly, despite taking precautions and being vaccinated, some people still get COVID-19. Jackie is one of those.
You might remember from Jackie’s blog in 2020, “Life as a COVID-19 Screener”, that she has been helping others since the beginning of the pandemic. We hope that Jackie will quickly recover and can once again volunteer in our Long COVID research study, which is being developed by PERF Director Dr. William Stringer at the Lundquist Institute.
Research into effective treatments for Long COVID is desperately needed. As members of the medical community, Jackie and I will continue supporting Dr. Stringer in helping these patients.
No Donation is Too Small
Will you please join me in making a donation to PERF and help support this worthy project?
Someday the treatments developed may even be available to help someone you know and care about.
As we continue our research, we will keep you posted on Long-Haul COVID, as well as on the progress your generosity helps make in aiding those with this terrible condition.
Your donations are fully tax-deductible and will be gratefully acknowledged in writing.
MAKE A SECURE DONATION
PERF uses PayPal, but you don’t need a PayPal account. You can also use your credit card. View more information on our donation page.
Or mail your contribution to:
The Pulmonary Education and Research Foundation (PERF)
P.O. Box 1133
Lomita, CA 90717-5133
Be sure to include any necessary contact information.
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