Long COVID Defense Guidance
The Swiss Cheese Layered Approach recognizes that both pharmaceutical intervention, such as vaccination and early treatments, and non-pharmaceutical interventions, such as usage of well-fitted respirators, air filtration and sick leave are valid preventive measures/tools against all respiratory infection. (See our research here). No single intervention is perfect. Each layer has its own holes and flaws and might not be accessible or feasible or recommended for everyone. Source control requires collective action. Having more tools provides more options and protection. Below is a list of key strategies to prevent Long COVID.
1. Check Wastewater Viral Activity Levels in Your Community
3. Go Virtual
( i.e., Telehealth, Remote Work, Virtual Class, Online Shopping, etc.)
4. Ventilation + Filtration - Move Events Outdoors with Precautions
5. Isolate + Test When Exposed
6. Isolate + Test When Symptoms Present
8. If Infected - Seek Early Treatment and Care
9. Rest, Pause Exercise, Pace Yourself
10. Test Negative Twice 48 hours Apart Before Leaving Isolation
(Be mindful that rebound can happen with and without use of COVID-19 oral antivirals after you first start testing negative)
11. Self-Diagnosis for Long COVID
- See Full Report on National Academies’ Homepage With Links to Translations.
12. Seek Diagnosis and Care From Long COVID Clinics
- AHRQ Long COVID Care Network
- Long COVID Alliance Directory
- Long COVID Justice Resources
- COVID-Conscious Therapist Directory
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
- Black COVID Survivors
- Long COVID Alliance
- Long COVID Families
- Long COVID Kids
- Longhauler Advocacy Project
- Marked by COVID
- MaskTogetherAmerica (Mask With Us)
- Patient-led Research Collaborative
- Solve ME/CFS Initiative
- ME Action Network
- Long COVID Justice
- Long COVID Foundation
- International Long COVID Awareness (ILCA)
- Ask providers to wear a high-quality mask: See Letter Template A.
- Know Your Rights
- School Accommodations: See Letter Template B