U.S. President Joe Biden orders research push on long COVID

U.S. President Joe Biden has ordered a new national research push on long COVID.

Biden has also asked federal agencies to support those struggling with the mysterious condition.

Long COVID symptoms can include brain fog, recurring shortness of breath, pain and fatigue.

Biden assigned the Department of Health and Human Services to coordinate an urgent new initiative across federal agencies. They will be building on research conducted at the National Institutes of Health.

Biden also directed federal agencies to support patients and doctors by providing science-based best practices for treating long COVID, maintaining access to insurance coverage, and protecting the rights of workers.

Research shows that long COVID affects many as 1 in 3 people who recover from COVID-19.

The White House also acknowledged that long COVID appears to be a disability.

This means patients could be entitled to the protection of federal laws that prohibit discrimination based on health conditions and call for accommodations.

“The administration recognizes that the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in new members of the disability community and has had a tremendous impact on people with disabilities,” said a White House overview.

Some independent experts praised the administration for its comprehensive plan but noted the lack of a timeline for results.