Long Covid, MD

For immediate crisis support in the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline , offering free, confidential 24/7 help for mental health, substance use, or emotional distress via call, text, or chat. Support the show Subscribe for free written summaries of each episode, resources, and more. LongCovidMD.substack.com/subscribe Support by donating at BuyMeACoffee

Wondering whether to focus on treating Long COVID symptoms or finding the “root cause”? In this episode, Dr. Zeest Khan explains why chasing a cure can lead to false promises and wasted time—and why treating your most pressing symptoms is the fastest, safest way to improve quality of life. Learn how building small wins creates positive momentum, reduces hypervigilance, and empowers you to collaborate effectively with your doctors. Join the Community at longcovidmd.com Support the show Subscribe for free written summaries of each episode, resources, and more. LongCovidMD.substack.com/subscribe Support by donating at BuyMeACoffee

This week we're sharing an episode from the archive, Dr Khan's appearance on the medical podcast "Taking Healthcare By Storm." Dr Zeest Khan tells Dr Jean Storm about her long COVID journey and the lessons she’s learned as both a physician and a patient. They discuss peer support, medical uncertainty, and why claiming your own story can transform the way you navigate chronic illness. A candid, empowering conversation. Subscribe to the newsletter at LongCovidMD.com Support the show Subscribe for free written summaries of each episode, resources, and more. LongCovidMD.substack.com/subscribe Support by donating at BuyMeACoffee

A quick life update. Learn about Alice Wong: https://x.com/doctor_zeest/status/1991929577841868847?s=20 Support the show Subscribe for free written summaries of each episode, resources, and more. LongCovidMD.substack.com/subscribe Support by donating at BuyMeACoffee

Dr Khan interviews Dr. Julia Moore-Vogel, Scripps Researcher and lead scientist of the new study using tirzepatide to treat Long COVID. The study is called LoCITT-T , and it is actively enrolling participants. They discuss the study's design, eligibility criteria, and the potential benefits of the drug. Julia shares her personal experience with long COVID and how it has influenced her work. The conversation also covers the importance of making clinical trials accessible to those with disabilities and the innovative use of wearable technology in the study. Keywords Long COVID, tirzepatide, clinical trial, disability, wearable technology Resources: Long COVID Treatment Trial-Tirzepatide (LoCITT-T): https://www.longcovid.scripps.edu Fatigue Severity Scale: https://www.med.upenn.edu/cbti/assets/user-content/documents/Fatigue%20Severity%20Scale%20(FSS).pdf FUN-CAP 27: https://batemanhornecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/FUNCAP27-questionnaire.pdf DSQ-COVID: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/360476212_DePaul_Symptom_Questionnaire-COVID Eric Topol, MD Ground Truths: https://erictopol.substack.com/ All of Us Research Hub: https://www.researchallofus.org/ Support the show Subscribe for free written summaries of each episode, resources, and more. LongCovidMD.substack.com/subscribe Support by donating at BuyMeACoffee

Subscribe to the newsletter: longcovidmd.com In this episode of Long COVID MD, Dr. Zeest Khan is joined by Katherine Marie, an nurse practitioner, long COVID patient, and podcast host. They discuss ways to navigate the holiday season while managing long COVID. They share personal experiences and strategies for maintaining health and energy, such as planning energy like a budget, setting boundaries, and building recovery time into schedules. The conversation highlights the importance of self-compassion and adapting traditions to fit current capabilities. Hear more from Katherine Marie: https://longcovidrealtalk.com/ Keywords Long COVID, holiday season, energy management, self-compassion, setting boundaries Support the show Subscribe for free written summaries of each episode, resources, and more. LongCovidMD.substack.com/subscribe Support by donating at BuyMeACoffee

Read the Newsletter: https://longcovidmd.substack.com/p/nasal-sprays-a-sure-fire-way-to-reduce?r=478j9x Join the Community: https://longcovidmd.substack.com/subscribe In this episode, Dr. Zeest Khan discusses the importance of nasal hygiene in reducing inflammation and preventing infections. She shares practical tips and techniques, including the use of saline and oxymetazoline, to open congested nasal passages. Dr. Khan also highlights the role of nasal steroids and antihistamines in managing symptoms, especially for those with long COVID and allergies. Keywords nasal hygiene, inflammation, saline, oxymetazoline, nasal steroids, antihistamines, long COVID, allergies, nasal passages, health tips Support the show Subscribe for free written summaries of each episode, resources, and more. LongCovidMD.substack.com/subscribe Support by donating at BuyMeACoffee

In this conversation, Dr. Zeest Khan discusses how she manages acute infections while dealing with the ongoing effects of long COVID. To recover quickly and reduce side effects of medications, she teaches you to personalize your treatment. In this episode you'll learn the 4 categories of cold medicines, common side effects, and how to read a medication label effectively. Take exactly what you need, and ONLY what you need to recover from an upper respirator infection FAST. Links: Join the Community and Get the Newsletter Newsletter for this Episode available November 4, 2025. Sign up so you don't miss it! Hydration the Right Way Chapters 00:00 Personalized Cold Care Matters 01:11 My Story 02:08 Medical Disclaimer 02:36 Understanding OTC Cold Meds 03:03 Decongestants and Their Effectiveness 03:48 Four Categories of Cold Meds 04:08 Pain/Fever 04:21 Pick the Right Decongestant 04:58 Antihistamines Explained 07:09 Side Effects of Decongestants 07:57 Antihistamines 09:01 Join the Community! 09:19 Tailoring Treatment to Individual Needs 09:52 Cough Meds 11:05 Practical Application of Cold Care 12:07 The Importance of Pain Management 13:31 Personal Experience with Cold Treatment 15:00 Why You Need Personalized Treatment 15:36 Rest, Hydrate, & Stay Positive Support the show Subscribe for free written summaries of each episode, resources, and more. LongCovidMD.substack.com/subscribe Support by donating at BuyMeACoffee

Is scientific research vulnerable to political instability? Dr. Zeest Khan explains how the current US government shutdown could disrupt the billion-dollar NIH RECOVER project, delay clinical trials, and jeopardize the chances of discovering effective treatment. Guests Michael Sieverts and Ezra Spier share insider perspectives on why transparency, stable funding, and patient collaboration are essential to saving Long COVID research and restoring trust in science. Read more on this topic at Substack Referenced Episodes: Tylenol-COVID Connection Takeaways from RECOVER-TLC 2025 Episode 18: Long COVID Advocacy Support the show Subscribe for free written summaries of each episode, resources, and more. LongCovidMD.substack.com/subscribe Support by donating at BuyMeACoffee

I’m pleased to share this recording of my conversation with Dr Alyssa Burgart, a pediatric anesthesiologist and medical bioethicist who writes Poppies & Propofol . We discussed our concerns about the US Health Department’s new —and puzzling — claims that acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, causes autism. We covered the importance of drug safety, the impact of misogyny in medical care, and the link to long COVID. If you missed my last post on the topic, read the full story here: If You Care About COVID, You Should Care About Tylenol Subscribe to the newsletter: longcovidmd.substack.com/subscribe Help with production costs by upgrading to a paid subscription or donating at Buy Me A Coffee . Episode 47: Is Health a Moral Obligation? https://www.buzzsprout.com/2253656/episodes/17011381 Support the show Subscribe for free written summaries of each episode, resources, and more. LongCovidMD.substack.com/subscribe Support by donating at BuyMeACoffee

The NIH’s RECOVER initiative just held its 2nd annual workshop-- Pathways to Treatment — and here’s what you need to know. In this episode, Dr Khan shares key updates on Long COVID research from RECOVER 2025, including patient voices, new treatments under study, and where the research is headed next. Listen to Episode 19: Low Dose Naltrexone We’ll cover: ✔️ The role of patient advocates in shaping research ✔️ Interventions under study: low-dose naltrexone, baricitinib, GLP-1 receptor agonists, and stellate ganglion blocks ✔️ Challenges with access and equity in treatment ✔️ What’s next for clinical trials in Long COVID As both a physician and a patient with Long COVID, Dr Khan brings you a unique perspective on what this research means for patients, clinicians, and the future of care. 🔔 Subscribe for more updates on Long COVID research, treatments, and patient perspectives. 👍 Like this episode if you find it helpful, and share it with others navigating Long COVID. More resources: 👉 Learn more about RECOVER: https://recovercovid.org 👉 Follow my work on Long Covid, MD: longcovidmd.substack.com Keywords: Long COVID research update, RECOVER 2025, NIH RECOVER TLC workshop, Long COVID new treatments, low dose naltrexone Long COVID, GLP-1 Long COVID, baricitinib Long COVID, stellate ganglion block Long COVID, Long COVID patient advocacy, Long Covid MD Support the show Subscribe for free written summaries of each episode, resources, and more. LongCovidMD.substack.com/subscribe Support by donating at BuyMeACoffee

🔔 Subscribe for more science-backed insights 📖 Read the full newsletter + reference sheet 💬 Share your experience with hydration strategies in the comments—I’d love to hear from you! Living with Long COVID or POTS often means battling dizziness, fatigue, and brain fog caused by low blood volume. In this episode, Dr Khan breaks down the science of hydration and explain how different fluids—plain water, salt water, and oral rehydration solutions (ORS)—actually work in your body. You’ll learn: ✅ Why plain water gives a quick but short-lived boost ✅ How salt water helps your body hold onto fluid ✅ Why oral rehydration solutions like WHO ORS and St. Mark’s formula can act almost like IV saline ✅ The difference between medical ORS and common sports drinks like Gatorade, Pedialyte, and Liquid IV ✅ How the sodium-glucose transporter (SGLT1) “supercharges” absorption Hydration is more than just drinking water—it’s about strategic plasma expansion to keep blood flowing to your brain and reduce symptoms of dysautonomia. ⚠️ Safety note: Salt loading isn’t for everyone. Check with your doctor if you have kidney disease, heart failure, uncontrolled hypertension, or a tendency to swelling. 👩‍⚕️ I’m Dr. Zeest Khan, a physician and patient with Long COVID. On Long Covid, MD , I simplify medical science to help you make better decisions about your care and recovery. Support the show Subscribe for free written summaries of each episode, resources, and more. LongCovidMD.substack.com/subscribe Support by donating at BuyMeACoffee

Watch the video on YouTube Can IV fluids really help with Long COVID symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, and brain fog? In this episode, Dr Khan reviews the scientific evidence on IV hydration versus oral rehydration solutions (ORS) in children, athletes, and patients with POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome)—and shares her personal experience as both a doctor and a patient living with Long COVID. You’ll learn: ✔️ How IV fluids expand blood volume and why that matters in Long COVID ✔️ The risks and complications of IV therapy (including when NOT to use it) ✔️ What the research says about ORS vs. IV hydration in different groups ✔️ Why IV fluids may serve as a temporary rescue therapy for some people with POTS or Long COVID ✔️ Practical tips for safe IV use 💡 Whether you’re exploring treatment options or just curious about the science, this episode breaks down what we know—and what we don’t—about IV hydration in Long COVID. For links to studies and a printable summary of today's episode, subscribe to the newsletter . Support the show Subscribe for free written summaries of each episode, resources, and more. LongCovidMD.substack.com/subscribe Support by donating at BuyMeACoffee

Support Roots' Current Fundraising Campaign ! LCMD will be away for the summer. Will Dr Khan post anything in the meantime?? Find out by following her: On the newsletter at longcovidmd.com On TikTok @LongCovidMD On Instagram @LongCovidMD In this episode of Long COVID MD, Dr. Zeest Khan highlights a healthcare system that effectively mitigated the pandemic and maintained community trust, while facing numerous structural obstacles. Should we follow this model of medicine more broadly? She interviews Dr. Noha Aboelata , Family Medicine physician and CEO of Roots Community Health, who shares insights on Root's holistic approach to healthcare, the importance of community trust, and the need for accessible and equitable health services. Roots played a tremendous role in the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization offered testing, recognized patterns of viral spread, and shared critical information with the public before, and sometimes in place of, government agencies. Roots' model of rebuilding community trust allowed them to respond quickly and effectively against the COVID-19 pandemic, and continues to serve the community well. The conversation highlights the role of community health in addressing systemic inequities and the significance of empowering patients to advocate for their own health. People's Health Briefing How Roots Pushed Medtronic to Improve Pulse Oximetry Support the show Subscribe for free written summaries of each episode, resources, and more. LongCovidMD.substack.com/subscribe Support by donating at BuyMeACoffee

Enjoy Dr Khan's guest appearance on the Outrage Overload podcast. Hosted by David Beckemyer, Outrage Overload explores how outrage media fuels political polarization and stress. David and Dr Khan discuss how the unprocessed grief of a pandemic has contributed to our current polarized social climate. ----------------------------------------------------------------- How a Doctor’s Long COVID Journey Exposed Systemic Failures Millions are still living with long COVID, yet many patients are dismissed, misunderstood, or left without answers. In this episode, Dr. Zeest Khan shares her personal journey—from treating critical patients as a cardiothoracic anesthesiologist to becoming a long COVID patient herself. This conversation isn’t just about COVID—it's about how we listen, how we heal, and what needs to change. Guest: Dr. Zeest Khan, physician, long COVID advocate, and host of Long COVID MD podcast. Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David Support the show Show Notes: https://outrageoverload.net/ Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email [email protected] . Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload . We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload . HOTLINE: 925-552-7885 Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the OO hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here . Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it. Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C. Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen. Support the show Subscribe for free written summaries of each episode, resources, and more. LongCovidMD.substack.com/subscribe Support by donating at BuyMeACoffee

Buy Me A Coffee Summary In this conversation, Dr. Zed Zha and Dr. Zeest Khan discuss the complexities of the patient-doctor relationship, particularly in the context of Long COVID. They explore the systemic issues that lead to mistrust in the medical system, the importance of patient advocacy, and the need for a shift in medical culture towards collaboration and understanding. Dr. Zha shares insights from her platform, 'Ask the Patient,' where she gathers feedback from patients to improve medical practice. The discussion emphasizes the need for physicians to recognize their power dynamics with patients and to adopt more compassionate, patient-centered approaches in their care. Dr Zed Zha, MD Zed is a physician and author. As a medical culture critic , she is committed to addressing critical issues such as medical misogyny, racism, anti-fatness, and ableism. As a feminist patient advocate, her writing brings to light the often-unspoken challenges within the healthcare system that fracture trust between patients and clinicians and find the common path for us to move forward together. Her nonfiction book defining medical consent is currently in the process of being acquired. Zed is also a storyteller. Her upcoming nonfiction children's book titled Why We Eat Fried Peanuts: A Celebration of Family and Lunar New Year, comes out in January 2025 by becker&mayer! Her Iive performance about her thieving mother is available on The Noturnists Podcast and on Youtube by the Bellevue Literary Review. Support the show Subscribe for free written summaries of each episode, resources, and more. LongCovidMD.substack.com/subscribe Support by donating at BuyMeACoffee

Buy Me A Coffee Summary In this conversation, Dr Zeest Khan speaks with Dr. Katie Brown, who shares her journey as a family doctor and a patient with ME/CFS. She discusses the complexities of diagnosing and treating long COVID, particularly focusing on the role of cranio-cervical instability (CCI) and its impact on patients' health. Dr. Brown emphasizes the importance of understanding the symptoms, the challenges in accessing proper care, and the need for collaboration among healthcare providers to improve patient outcomes. She also offers insights into treatment options and encourages both patients and doctors to take ownership of their health and care. Bio Dr Katie Brown: Katie Brown, MD has dedicated her career to learning how to treat ME/CFS and related conditions, including Long COVID. Her interest stems from her own experience with the disease which she developed during her first year of medical school. She is very grateful to now be in remission and have the chance to use all she has learned, both as a doctor and a patient, to support others with ME/CFS. The clinical uncertainty around ME/CFS should not mean that patients don't get help. In order to educate and encourage other doctors to treat ME/CFS, she is writing a book outlining best practices for primary care doctors. You can sign up to her newsletter to be notified when the book is published. Sign up for Dr Brown's newsletter: https://www.katiebrownmd.com/newsletter Dr Brown's CFS website: https://chronicfatiguedoctornearme.com/ Dr Brown's notes on UCI, updated regularly: https://publish.obsidian.md/gsdpc/Publish/Patient+Resources/Cervical+Instability Additional Resources: Project ECHO Ressek et al Presentation and physical therapy management of upper cervical instability The Sick Times article on craniocervical instability Support the show Subscribe for free written summaries of each episode, resources, and more. LongCovidMD.substack.com/subscribe Support by donating at BuyMeACoffee

Buy Me A Coffee In this episode of Long COVID MD, Dr. Zeest Khan discusses the financial challenges faced by individuals with long COVID and chronic illnesses. She interviews Kira Stoops, a writer and advocate, who shares her personal journey with chronic illness, the importance of asking for help, and the value of building community. They explore the realities of managing finances while living with a disability, the stigma around seeking assistance, and the tools that can aid in adapting to new life circumstances. Kira emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and the need to cut oneself some slack while navigating these challenges. Kira Stoops Kira is a writer who is chronically ill. Despite having ME/CFS for nearly a decade, she's determined to live the good life: close connections, moments of sunshine, meaningful work, and snarky humor. Find more of her work at Flying Bicycle Creative , her (free!) Meatscon tool for sickies here, and her Substack about luxe sickie life here . Support the show Subscribe for free written summaries of each episode, resources, and more. LongCovidMD.substack.com/subscribe Support by donating at BuyMeACoffee

Buy Me a Coffee Is being healthy a personal virtue, or a civic duty? And how should you be treated if you're not healthy? In this episode of Long Covid, MD , Dr. Zeest Khan is joined by Dr. Alyssa Burgart , pediatric anesthesiologist and bioethicist, for a timely conversation on healthism —the idea that health is a moral responsibility—and how it's shaping everything from doctor-patient relationships to public health policy. Together, they explore: What healthism is and why it matters now more than ever How figures like RFK Jr. and Dr. Mehmet Oz are using morality and patriotism to frame health in political terms What these narratives mean for people with Long COVID and other chronic illnesses How blame and bias show up in the clinic—and how both patients and clinicians can push back Why trauma-informed care is critical for healing, not just treatment This episode offers practical insight and ethical clarity for anyone navigating illness in a society that often treats sickness as a personal failure. Read more of Dr Burgart's work on Substack Support the show Subscribe for free written summaries of each episode, resources, and more. LongCovidMD.substack.com/subscribe Support by donating at BuyMeACoffee

Buy Me a Coffee On this special bonus episode, we share Dr Zeest Khan's guest appearance on the podcast "Taking Healthcare By Storm" hosted by Dr Jean Storm, medical director of Quality Insights. Dr. Khan shares her journey with long COVID, highlighting the importance of peer support, symptom validation, creative treatment approaches, and trusted information sources. She emphasizes the need for curiosity and compassion in healthcare providers managing long COVID patients. Learn more about Dr. Khan by listening to her podcast or by visiting her website or Substack. If you have any topics or guests you'd like to see on future episodes, reach out to us on our website. Publication number QI-040425-GK Support the show Subscribe for free written summaries of each episode, resources, and more. LongCovidMD.substack.com/subscribe Support by donating at BuyMeACoffee

Dr Khan's month in review. What happened in March for the podcast? What will federal cuts to CDC, NIH, FDA and RECOVER mean for long COVID patients? How can we participate in and celebrate holidays like Ramadan, given our physical limitations? Plus a new monthly segment that's more light-hearted called "What's Making Me Happy". What's your rundown and what's making you happy? Links Michael Lewis' Essay on Heather Stone The Residence Support the show Subscribe for free written summaries of each episode, resources, and more. LongCovidMD.substack.com/subscribe Support by donating at BuyMeACoffee

Join the next Livestream Buy Me A Coffee In this episode of Long Covid MD, Dr. Zeest Khan shares audio from her recent Substack Live event. How can you tell if a medical appointment or treatment is helpful or if it's doing more harm than good? Dr Khan shares insights from her personal journey with Long COVID and answers questions from the group. Together, they discuss the complexities of navigating the healthcare system. Dr Khan emphasizes the importance of intentionality in medical appointments, the need for patient empowerment, and the significance of having a primary care provider as a home base. The conversation also covers the challenges of managing multiple appointments, the importance of clear communication with healthcare providers, and strategies for ensuring accurate medical documentation. Support the show Subscribe for free written summaries of each episode, resources, and more. LongCovidMD.substack.com/subscribe Support by donating at BuyMeACoffee

Summary In this conversation, Dr Zeest Khan and occupational therapist Amy Mooney discuss sensory processing disorders, which seem to be triggered by a COVID infection. They discuss the implications for individuals with long COVID, and the importance of tailored occupational therapy approaches. They also explore how chronic illness affects sensory integration, the challenges faced by patients, and the need for medical recognition of sensory processing issues. Amy emphasizes the importance of listening to one's body and adapting therapy to individual needs, particularly for those with fatigue-related conditions. Support the show Subscribe for free written summaries of each episode, resources, and more. LongCovidMD.substack.com/subscribe Support by donating at BuyMeACoffee

In this episode, Dr Zeest Khan is joined by Dr Jean Storm, a specialist in long-term care medicine and the medical director of Quality Insights , a healthcare quality improvement organization. Dr Storm worked as a physician in nursing homes during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and now she's urging us to recognize the impact of long COVID in this population. Dr Khan and Dr Storm discuss the needs of long-term care residents, how long COVID presents and how it is often overlooked. Dr Storm explains ways to advocate for loved ones in nursing homes and strategies to avoid severe COVID infections in long-term care. Links Dr Storm's Podcast: Taking Healthcare by Storm Function Calculator: Barthel Index for Activities of Daily Living Resources for COVID-19 treatment, surveillance, and vaccinations in the long-term care population: https://covid.nymda.org Articles Nursing Home Staffing Levels and Resident Health Outcomes: Is the Role of the Physical Therapist Undervalued? Prevalence and Predictors of Persistence of COVID-19 Symptoms in Older Adults: A Single-Center Study Audio engineering by True Media Solutions Support the show Subscribe for free written summaries of each episode, resources, and more. LongCovidMD.substack.com/subscribe Support by donating at BuyMeACoffee

What do you do when you just want a break from being sick? In this month's episode of The Rundown, Dr Zeest Khan shares her ongoing journey with long COVID, discussing the frustrations and challenges she faces in recovery. She reflects on the medical treatments she has undergone, the importance of reliable information, and the emotional toll of navigating the complexities of this condition. Support the show Subscribe for free written summaries of each episode, resources, and more. LongCovidMD.substack.com/subscribe Support by donating at BuyMeACoffee