March 15 is International Long COVID Awareness Day

March 15 marks International Long COVID Awareness Day, a time to raise awareness and amplify the voices of millions worldwide who continue to suffer from the prolonged effects of COVID-19.

Graphic including the following key points: Up to 400 million people worldwide are affected by Long COVID. The economic impact is $1 trillion annually, which is about 1% of the global economy. Long COVID affects men, women, and children. There is a citation at the bottom referencing a study by Al-Aly, Z., et al. (2024) from Nature Medicine.

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) have defined Long COVID as “an infection-associated chronic condition (IACC) that occurs after SARS-CoV-2 infection and is present for at least 3 months as a continuous, relapsing and remitting, or progressive disease state that affects one or more organ systems.”

Long COVID can present with a variety of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. It can impact one or more systems, including the immune, cardiovascular, and neurological systems.

With over 200 reported symptoms, diagnosis can be difficult, leaving many searching for answers. These symptoms can drastically alter lives, forcing people to leave jobs, limit daily activities, and navigate a healthcare system that is still catching up. 

Some of the most common symptoms, like persistent fatigue, post-exertional malaise, brain fog, and sleep disturbance, are similar to those reported by people with ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome).

This image is an awareness badge for Long COVID. It features a teal and gray ribbon with the text "Long COVID" across it. Surrounding the ribbon is a teal circle with the words "LONG COVID AWARENESS" at the top and "#LONGCOVIDAWARENESS2025" at the bottom.

On Long COVID Awareness Day, we recognize the millions who are still waiting for answers. Their voices matter. Their experiences fuel research. And their stories remind us why this work is urgent.

Be Part of the Solution

Join OMF StudyME Registry

StudyME logoOMF StudyME is a free global participants registry designed to connect individuals interested in participating in research studies with the researchers conducting them.

It is our firm belief that the path to groundbreaking discoveries and meaningful advancements in treatment lies in ensuring that people with Long COVID are not only heard but are also active participants in the research.

Make a Gift to OMF

Support OMF’s quest to find effective treatments and diagnostic tests for the millions of people affected by Long COVID! Consider making a donation today to support our ongoing efforts.

Start Your Own Fundraiser

Amplify your impact by launching a personal fundraising campaign. Engage your network on social media and turn your passion into tangible support for Long COVID research. Kick off a digital fundraiser in 5 minutes or less.

Thank you for joining us in our mission to combat Long COVID and provide hope for a brighter future. Together, we can make a difference. 



Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME / CFS) Post Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS), Fibromyalgia Leading Research. Delivering Hope.Open Medicine Foundation®

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