Ologies with Alie Ward: Post-Viral Epidemiology (LONG COVID) Part 2 with Dr. Wes Ely

Release Date: March 19, 2025

Introduction

In the second installment of the "Post-Viral Epidemiology (Long Covid)" series, humorist and science correspondent Alie Ward delves deeper into the complexities of Long Covid with esteemed pulmonologist and researcher Dr. Wes Ely. This episode addresses pressing questions from listeners, explores new research findings, and shares poignant personal stories that highlight the enduring impact of Long Covid on individuals and their support systems.

Multiple COVID Infections and Long Covid Risk

One of the primary topics discussed is the heightened risk of developing Long Covid after multiple infections. Listener Marcella shares her experience of contracting COVID-19 twice and queries how repeated infections influence the likelihood of prolonged symptoms.

Dr. Wes Ely [04:39]: "Yes, there are data to show that multiple infections is a greater risk for developing long Covid."

Dr. Ely likens Long Covid to persistent fog, emphasizing that multiple infections can lead to a denser and more enduring 'fog' of symptoms compared to a single bout, which might resolve within a few months.

Impact of COVID Variants on Long Covid Incidence

As the pandemic progresses, questions arise about whether newer variants of COVID-19 pose a lesser risk for Long Covid.

Dr. Wes Ely [07:51]: "I think that we generally have lower symptom complexes now from COVID than we used to generally."

While acknowledging that current strains may cause milder acute symptoms, Dr. Ely cautions that the risk of Long Covid remains significant, with ongoing cases indicating that the condition is far from over.

Vaccination and Prevention of Long Covid

Listeners inquire about the effectiveness of vaccines in preventing Long Covid. Referencing a September 2024 study from the Journal of the American Medical Association, Alie Ward shares that vaccination reduces the risk of Long Covid by approximately 50%.

Alie Ward [10:00]: "Vaccinated persons had a lower cumulative instance of long Covid at one year than unvaccinated persons, about a 50% reduction."

Dr. Ely reinforces the importance of vaccination, noting that the benefits outweigh the minimal risks associated with vaccine side effects.

The Harsh Reality of Brain Fog and Cognitive Impairment

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to understanding the cognitive challenges faced by Long Covid sufferers. Listener Laurel raises concerns about persistent brain fog affecting memory and cognitive function.

Marcella [12:47]: "This fits with the criteria for dementia in some cases."

Dr. Ely and Marcella discuss recent studies showing structural changes in the brain, including atrophy and functional deficits, as revealed by MRI and fMRI scans. These changes mirror conditions like mild to moderate dementia, underscoring the severity of cognitive impairments associated with Long Covid.

Alie Ward [16:20]: "Even if you have brain fog and you can't find your keys or do the Sunday crossword, you're like, oh, people who had long Covid have complaints about cognitive failure."

Personal Stories: The Struggle of Caregivers

The episode features a heartfelt segment from Kyle Kitzmiller, caregiver to his wife Diana Cowern, also known as the Physics Girl. Diana's battle with Long Covid encompasses severe symptoms like mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), chronic fatigue, and autoimmune complications.

Kyle Kitzmiller [27:34]: "Long Covid is probably the hardest disease to be a caregiver for that I could imagine."

Kyle details the challenges of navigating a healthcare system that often lacks understanding of Long Covid, sharing a harrowing experience in the emergency room where Diana's critical condition was initially overlooked.

Long Covid and the Cardiovascular System

The discussion extends to the cardiovascular implications of Long Covid, addressing concerns about conditions like atrial fibrillation (AFIB) and pulmonary embolisms (PE).

Dr. Wes Ely [51:00]: "AFIB is a very serious problem and you must get that evaluated by a cardiologist."

Listeners are advised to seek prompt medical evaluation for any heart-related symptoms post-COVID, as Dr. Ely emphasizes the interconnectedness of inflammation and vascular health in Long Covid patients.

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and Autonomic Dysfunction

POTS emerges as a prominent concern among Long Covid patients, characterized by significant heart rate and blood pressure fluctuations upon standing.

Marcella [54:05]: "Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome is a very prominent feature of long COVID patients."

Treatment strategies, including salt and fluid loading, are discussed as ways to manage POTS symptoms, with Dr. Ely highlighting the need for individualized care plans.

Dietary Interventions and Autoimmune Considerations

Listener K Pellis poses a question about the correlation between Long Covid and sensitivities to nightshade vegetables, sparking a discussion on the role of diet in managing autoimmune symptoms.

Marcella [23:22]: "There's absolutely a relationship between what you eat and how this disease might go forward."

While acknowledging anecdotal benefits from diets like keto, Marcella advises working with nutritionists to tailor dietary changes safely and effectively.

Evaluating and Avoiding Unproven Therapies

The episode cautions against the allure of unverified treatments, urging patients to approach novel therapies with skepticism and under professional supervision.

Marcella [42:26]: "Any advice for people who might be getting sold some snake oil... you might get started on something that could harm you."

Current State of Long Covid Treatment Protocols

Listeners are curious about the development of standardized treatment protocols. Dr. Ely provides a sobering outlook that widespread protocols may take years to establish, emphasizing the importance of personalized care in the interim.

Marcella [60:28]: "This is not months away for a treatment protocol to be widespread adopted."

Conclusion and Hope for the Future

The episode concludes with a message of resilience and community support. Dr. Ely and Marcella share their dedication to advancing research and fostering healing relationships with patients.

Marcella [63:03]: "The best part is the community and the relationship."

Alie Ward wraps up by highlighting the importance of continued research, patient advocacy, and mutual support among those affected by Long Covid.

Notable Quotes

• Dr. Wes Ely [04:39]: "Yes, there are data to show that multiple infections is a greater risk for developing long Covid."

• Alie Ward [10:00]: "Vaccinated persons had a lower cumulative instance of long Covid at one year than unvaccinated persons, about a 50% reduction."

• Kyle Kitzmiller [27:34]: "Long Covid is probably the hardest disease to be a caregiver for that I could imagine."

• Marcella [42:26]: "Any advice for people who might be getting sold some snake oil... you might get started on something that could harm you."

Final Thoughts

This episode of "Ologies with Alie Ward" provides a comprehensive exploration of Long Covid, blending scientific insights with personal narratives to illuminate the multifaceted challenges faced by sufferers and their caregivers. Dr. Wes Ely's expertise offers valuable guidance, while stories like Kyle and Diana's underscore the urgent need for greater awareness, research, and compassionate care in addressing this enduring pandemic aftermath.

For more information, resources, and to support ongoing research, listeners are encouraged to visit the show’s website and explore links provided in the episode notes.