In this week's episode of the Spine & Nerve podcast Dr. Brian Joves is joined by a very special guest, Dr. Monica Verduzco-Gutierrez, to discuss Long COVID, otherwise known as Post Acute Sequalae of SARS CoV2 (PASC). Long COVID is defined as a condition in which a patient continues with symptoms of COVID-19 more than 2 months after being infected by the virus. Longitudinal studies quote anywhere from a 15-80% prevalence of long COVID. Although every patient presents with a different compilation of symptoms, the most common symptoms of Long COVID are fatigue, impaired respiratory function, “brain fog”, headache, attention disorder, hair loss and pain. Though the risk factors for developing Long COVID are not fully known, studies suggest anosmia and ageusia, GI symptoms, and more severe acute infection may contribute to long term symptoms. There are many proposed mechanisms for these symptoms including inflammation, peripheral organ dysfunction, and virus shedding from the gut empha...