Reflections of a COVID-19 Long Hauler

This patient narrative by emergency medicine physician Jeffrey Siegelman describes his experience of being sick with the coronavirus for more than three months. Although his bout with COVID was clinically mild, Siegelman’s personal piece highlights the vulnerability of second-wave COVID practices – particularly during a period when medicine has begun to understand the virus and develop effective practices. Siegelman notes that his experience with COVID-19 strengthened his ability to empathize with patients, pointing out the gulf between his professional training and the reality of being a patient. Written during a time when the full consequences of the coronavirus were just becoming clear, Siegelman’s reflection on long-covid-19 conclusions reveal the impact of isolation, the need for human connection, and the worry about others. He concludes that, “as I continue to live with uncertainty, fear, and a certain degree of continued isolation, the silver lining is the hope that my future patient interactions will allow me to provide greater comfort and validation, even when I cannot offer objective answers or concrete healing” (Siegelman 2032).