Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly, a clinical epidemiologist at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, has been at the forefront of Long COVID research since 2020. He has published approximately 20 studies on the long-term effects of COVID-19, shedding light on symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, and increased risks of chronic conditions. Prior to the pandemic, Al-Aly focused on the health effects of air pollution but shifted his attention to Long COVID after reading an op-ed by Fiona Lowenstein in April 2020.
Through his research, Al-Aly has identified the various organ systems affected by Long COVID, the risks of multiple COVID-19 infections, and how Long COVID differs from chronic symptoms of other viruses like the flu. His future research will focus on potential treatments for Long COVID and determining if SARS-CoV-2 is unique in causing chronic damage. Al-Aly emphasizes that his work is guided by Long COVID patients, as he feels a strong sense of connection and responsibility to address their needs.
Despite his previous focus on air pollution research, Al-Aly now identifies as a Long COVID researcher and is dedicated to advancing understanding and treatment of this condition. His contributions have been instrumental in shaping the world’s understanding of Long COVID and its long-term impacts.