For those living with long COVID, daily activities like going for a walk, washing the dishes, or being on a Zoom call can be incredibly draining.

These long-term effects of a COVID infection - called post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2, PASC, or more simply long COVID - have been a reality for many patients since the start of the pandemic.

While it is not known exactly how common long COVID is, it isn’t rare. One study found that some 30% of participants across multiple age ranges reported persistent symptoms. For some, symptoms fade after a few months, while for others, long COVID feels like their new reality.

NPR’s Mallory Yu has been reporting on long COVID and gathered the stories of patients who are desperate for answers.

In participating regions, you’ll also hear a local news segment that will help you make sense of what’s going on in your community.

Email us at considerthis@npr.org.