BEACHWOOD, Ohio — University Hospitals is starting to take appointments for its COVID Recovery Clinic, which officials said will help patients suffering from COVID-19 long-haul syndrome. 

The center will be based out of University Hospitals’ Ahuja Medical Center in Beachwood. 

University Hospitals said that the clinic will offer in-person and virtual care based on the patient’s specific symptoms and needs. Potential specialty areas for referral include: pulmonary, cardiology, sleep medicine, psychiatry, integrative health, neurology, neuropsychology, infectious disease, otolaryngology, digestive health, and immunology, clinic officials said. 

“The UH COVID Recovery Clinic was designed around the patient, so each individual has access to a vast network of medical specialists with the training and experience to recognize the syndrome, perform the appropriate diagnostic tests, and develop a personalized treatment plan to address every physical and behavioral aspect of the patient’s illness,” said Dr. David M. Rosenberg, who University Hospitals says will direct the clinic.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that those with COVID-19 long-haul syndrome might not begin experiencing symptoms until at least four weeks after infection. The CDC said the effects of COVID-19 long-haul syndrome can affect patients who had mild or no coronavirus symptoms. 

The CDC and University Hospitals note that long-haul COVID-19 syndrome can affect multiple organs of the body and its effects can range from mild to debilitating. Some of the symptoms of the disease include difficulty breathing, tiredness or fatigue, difficulty thinking, headaches, sleep problems and dizziness, among other symptoms. 

“It is estimated that 20 percent or more of individuals infected with COVID-19 will experience health problems for weeks, even months after their body has cleared the virus, and unfortunately we know many are suffering in silence,” said Rosenberg.

The CDC said the best way to prevent getting COVID-19 long-haul syndrome is by getting vaccinated against the virus.

Last week, the White House announced efforts to include long-haul COVID-19 as a disability under federal law. The White House said that its guidance would provide protection against discrimination for those who suffer from long-haul COVID-19.

Patients can make appointments with the clinic by calling 216-859-5032.