William

1 year since diagnosis

Age at interview: 28

William was diagnosed with COVID in fall 2021. After being bedridden and having pneumonia he developed long term symptoms, such as brain fog, shortness of breath, blurred vision, fatigue, heart palpitations, purple fingernails, and neurological symptoms. William has been taking recovery one day at a time, and after a short work leave, he has returned to work in a part-time, modified capacity. William enjoys his role as a correctional officer and being able to work in some capacity helps keep him distracted from his long-COVID symptoms. In his spare time, William reads about long-COVID through online communities and scientific articles to help him make sense of his experience and find ways to cope. William has good support from family and friends, but knows that for others there is skepticism that long-COVID exists. He hopes to bring more awareness to long-COVID and wants to use his experience to contribute to research in this area.

Go back

More content

• Advice to Others Living With Long COVID – William
  William says, "Be patient."
• Support From Employers, Colleagues, and Worker’s Compensation Boards – William
  William is on modified duties and is gradually increasing his hours at work.
• Recognizing the Start of Long COVID – William
  William's long COVID symptoms emerged over time.