Across the country over 90 million people have been diagnosed with COVID-19. While some people get better after a few weeks, some are experiencing persistent symptoms months after an infection. While research is still ongoing and many experience a range of symptoms, new data points to 1 in 8 COVID patients developing long COVID. The U.S. Health and Human Services Department now recognizes long COVID could be a disability as it limits major life activities. As for a recent update from the New Mexico Department of Health, COVID in New Mexico is stable, but still seeing a high level of cases.
On this week’s Let’s Talk New Mexico, we’ll be taking a look at what is the future for our healthcare system taking care of an influx of people now experiencing debilitating symptoms that make everyday tasks a challenge? What rights do individuals have once their infection qualifies as a disability? Email us at LetsTalk@kunm.org or call in live during the show at 505-277-5866.
GUESTS:
- Beatrice Adler-Bolton, Host of Death Panel Podcast
- Alisa Valdes, long COVID survivor
- Mia Ives-Rublee, Disability Justice Initiative at the Center for American Progress
- Dr. Vesta Sandoval, chief medical office, Lovelace Healthcare System New Mexico
Resources:
What is Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Patient Led Research Collaborative
UNM Center for Development and Disability
A Tsunami of Disability is Coming as a Result of ‘Long COVID’
Guidance on “Long COVID” as a Disability Under the ADA Section 504 and Section 1557
To solve the mystery of long COVID, researchers look to an older disease
America is Sliding Into the Long Pandemic Defeat
This coverage is made possible by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and KUNM listeners.
