US Senator Tim Kaine is all too familiar with the confusing effects of Long COVID. And on Wednesday, the Virginia Democrat introduced legislation to help other Americans Struggling with the same mysterious illness.
Kaine was diagnosed with COVID-19 nearly two years ago, but still suffers from moderate symptoms. And he’s not alone. Thousands, potentially millions, of Americans continue to face health concerns long after infection. Because more research is needed and diagnoses are not yet agreed, it is difficult to assess how many people are affected by the virus’ lingering effects.
Comprehensive Access to Resources and Education (CARE) for the Long COVID Act is Kaine’s solution. The billCo-funded by Democratic Senators Tammy Duckworth of Illinois and Ed Markey of Massachusetts, aims to expand long-term COVID research and improve access to treatment.
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“As someone with mild Long-lasting COVID symptoms, I am pleased to introduce this legislation to help address the lingering effects of the coronavirus,” Kaine said in a statement. declare. “This legislation will help advance our understanding of and response to Long COVID by expanding resources for those dealing with the long-term impacts of the virus.”
Long COVID still poses many unknowns. Researchers have yet to determine what causes it, and symptoms can vary significantly between patients. Even people who did not initially become seriously ill with the coronavirus, have reported problems weeks, even months, after being infected. People have reported symptoms ranging from cardiovascular problems to neurological effects, including so-called brain fog. Others have struggled with persistent joint pain or fatigue.
If passed, the bill would create a centralized patient list of confirmed Long COVID cases to identify common data factors and collect a range of information about symptoms and experiences. . Findings from the registry will be shared with other agencies to better inform treatment and policy related to Long COVID and other chronic diseases.
Other highlights of the bill include promoting education to employers and schools about the impact of Long COVID as it relates to employment and disability rights. It will also create partnerships with community-based health organizations to expand access to treatment.
The senators’ announcement comes just a day after President Joe Biden revealed his plan to confront the next phase of the pandemic on Tuesday. State of the Union address.
“We will be there to support Americans with the long-term effects of COVID-19, including those experiencing Long-Term COVID or behavioral and mental health challenges; as well as families suffering the tragedy of losing someone they love,” the Biden administration’s Pandemic Preparedness Plan promises.
Markey, the bill’s co-sponsor, is one of the few masked attendees during Biden’s speech at the Capitol on Tuesday night. The mask requirement was repealed just days before a joint session of Congress, and most lawmakers chose to accept the change.
“As Covid’s safety precautions ease and cases drop, it’s understandable that people are eager to move on from the pandemic. But millions of Americans will not be able to move on as they suffer the devastating effects of Long Covid. We can’t leave them behind,” said Markey Written on Twitter after the bill was announced.
