CLEVELAND — Cleveland Clinic has opened a new facility called the reCOVer clinic aimed to help patients struggling with long-term COVID-19 symptoms. 

Health officials are calling it "long COVID-19 syndrome."

“Like COVID-19 itself, long COVID-19 can include a wide array of symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, persistent fatigue and memory difficulties," said Family Medicine Physician Dr. William Logo, who also helped form the reCOVer clinic. "However, many other factors also can contribute to what our patients are experiencing. This is a complex condition and one that we are understanding more about every day."

The clinic is for patients who have had COVID-19 symptoms for 28 days or more, as well as a positive COVID-19 test. Patients will be able to meet with specialists and will undergo a variety of tests, including cardiac, pulmonary and physical therapy tests, blood tests, and neurocognitive and behavioral health screenings. 

The results will be used to determine the best plan for the patient going forward. 

“There is currently research going on to determine how many people with COVID-19 infections have symptoms that do not resolve,” said Dr. Kristin Englund, an infectious disease physician who leads the reCOVer clinic. “However, we know that patients with lingering COVID-19 symptoms aren’t necessarily those who were hospitalized with severe cases initially. Many patients have had a fairly mild infection, yet, symptoms have persisted more than four weeks or potentially worsened after time.”

A recent study initially published on medRxiv shows that out of 3,700 self-described COVID “Long Haulers” in 56 countries, almost half couldn't return to full-time work six months after developing symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic, Symptoms of long COVID-19 include: 

  • Loss of smell or taste
  • Memory, concentration or sleep problems
  • Rash or hair loss
  • Muscle pain or headache
  • Fast or pounding heartbeat

Long-term effects of COVID-19 has also been shown to cause heart, lung and brain issues. The Cleveland Clinic recommends contacting your physician first if you're unsure that you're experiencing long COVID-19 syndrome. 

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