'Promising research' could help treat COVID-19 patients with long-term effects from virus

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- The discussion about COVID-19 isn't just about surviving the virus. As we get deeper into this pandemic, we're learning more about patients known as "long-haulers." Those are people who don't bounce back after the initial recovery and suffer longer-term symptoms. Which can last weeks or months after a patient tests negative for COVID-19.

It's still too early to determine the number of people in this category but estimations range from 10-50% says Dr. Colin Chinn, a former Joint Staff Surgeon of Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Rear Admiral.

COVID-19 risk calculator: The safest and most dangerous things to do this holiday season

As for the symptoms, Dr. Chinn says patients feel extreme fatigue, severe shortness of breath, difficulty concentrating, and memory problems. Of course, the term "long-term" is relative since we aren't even one year into knowing about this disease.

Long-haulers are typically those who had a very severe case, were hospitalized, on a ventilator, older age groups, or had multiple chronic diseases.

Now what? Dr. Chinn says there's promising research out of the New York University Grossman School of Medicine supported by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. They're studying a drug called BIO 300 that could prevent or reverse long-term effects. Dr. Chinn says the drug has been used on the lungs after radiation therapy.

Myths about COVID-19 busted: Masks, indoor transmission, cold weather, and more

Right now, there's still so much to learn but Dr. Chinn sounds optimistic about treating long-haulers.

If you have a question or comment about the coronavirus pandemic, submit yours via the form below or here.

Get the latest news, information and videos about the novel coronavirus pandemic here

RELATED STORIES & VIDEOS:

• Map: CA counties that can, can't reopen under new rules
• COVID-19 risk calculator: The safest and most dangerous things to do this holiday season
• Updated number of COVID-19 deaths, cases in Bay Area
• COVID-19 Help: Comprehensive list of resources, information
• California EDD: The most commonly asked questions we get about unemployment and PUA
• Health experts urge flu shots in effort to avoid 'twindemic'
• How to tell the difference between seasonal allergies and coronavirus symptoms
• Here's which mask is better to protect from COVID-19
• First COVID-19 vaccine volunteers in US describe experience as Bay Area launches vaccine trials
• From salons to dinner parties: Experts rate the risk of 12 activities
• Coronavirus origin: Where did COVID-19 come from?
• What is a COVID-19 genetic, antigen and antibody test?
• What will it take to get a COVID-19 vaccine and how will it be made?
• What does COVID-19 do to your body and why does it spread so easily?
• Here's how shelter in place, stay at home orders can slow spread of COVID-19
• Coronavirus Timeline: Tracking major moments of COVID-19 pandemic in San Francisco Bay Area
• COVID-19 Diaries: Personal stories of Bay Area residents during novel coronavirus pandemic
• Coronavirus Doctor's Note: Dr. Alok Patel gives his insight into COVID-19 pandemic