Wed Mar 05 14:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Long COVID’s Lingering Impact: Kentucky Woman’s Struggle Highlights Ongoing Health Crisis

**Jessamine County, KY** – Five years after initially contracting COVID-19, Lisa Jensen of Jessamine County continues to battle the debilitating effects of long COVID. What began as mild symptoms quickly escalated to chest pains, exhaustion, and difficulty breathing, leaving the previously healthy and active mother struggling with persistent fatigue and brain fog.

Jensen’s experience mirrors a growing national concern. A recent KFF study reveals that up to 6% of U.S. adults are affected by long COVID, a condition characterized by lingering symptoms like extreme tiredness, memory problems, and sensory changes, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Dr. Ashley Montgomery-Yates, director of the University of Kentucky’s ICU Recovery Clinic, explains that long COVID patients experience either temporary symptoms lasting weeks or months, or long-term, potentially permanent changes to their bodily systems. “Some people…have a new normal,” Dr. Montgomery-Yates stated, acknowledging that full recovery may not be possible for some.

Jensen’s daily life is significantly impacted. She carefully manages her energy levels, scheduling rest periods to avoid further exhaustion. “I think about how many hours I have to get things done, but it’s also a matter of…if I’m on my computer for one to two hours, I have to rest…otherwise, I will not be safe to drive,” she explained.

Dr. Montgomery-Yates emphasizes the need for societal adaptation to support those living with long COVID. “How do we modify work environments…how do we help them find new jobs…how do we make sure that their families feel supported?” she questions.

Jensen urges compassion and understanding for those silently enduring chronic illness. “You can’t look at a person and know what they’re going through. So be kind,” she said. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the lasting consequences of COVID-19 and the urgent need for support and accommodation for long COVID sufferers.

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