As the holidays approach, many of us look to the season with hope—and for those experiencing lingering post-COVID symptoms, that hope can feel especially urgent. Over the past few years at Pollack Wellness, my team and I have worked with countless individuals navigating what’s now widely known as long COVID. While some present with lingering respiratory issues, many more struggle with autoimmune, digestive, neurological, and skin-related concerns, along with other unusual and unexplained symptoms.

As we cared for more patients, we noticed patterns tied to when someone had COVID. For instance, many individuals infected in late 2021 into early 2022 developed severe digestive issues, often evolving into autoimmune conditions. In contrast, infections from earlier in 2021 were more often linked with cardiovascular and skin symptoms. While not exhaustive, these trends offer insight into how long COVID may affect the body over time.

Although I continue to reflect on the deeper causes of these evolving conditions, my central mission remains: to help people heal. In many ways, what we’re seeing is not new—our bodies have always responded to certain viruses or traumatic events in unpredictable ways. Long COVID isn’t the virus itself, but rather the aftermath—the damage, immune responses, and reactivated infections left behind.

We’re seeing a rise in latent viruses being reactivated after COVID, including Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV6), and even Lyme disease. These viruses may have been dormant in the body for years, but COVID seems to create the conditions for them to resurface—often in more intense and persistent forms.

Treatment takes time and a thoughtful, multi-faceted approach. We combine antiviral herbal therapies, acupuncture, detoxification, enzyme therapy, emotional release work, bodywork and cold-laser therapies—all aimed at addressing both the infections and the damage they’ve caused. Compared to pre-COVID times, healing now often takes longer. For example, EBV cases that used to improve in four to six weeks may now take three months or more to shift meaningfully.

Still, we’ve seen real progress. Four years ago, we weren’t sure how people would respond. But I’m grateful to share that many continue getting better. They’re healing from rashes, digestive dysfunction, fertility issues and more—and they’re returning to vibrant, active lives.

So if you or a loved one is struggling with long COVID, know this: there is real hope. With persistence, patience and the right care, healing is possible.

Pollack Wellness is located at 66 Commack Rd., #204, in Commack, NY. For more information, call 631-861-HEAL (4325) or visit PollackWellness.com.