Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly, a clinical epidemiologist at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, has become a leading researcher in the field of Long COVID since 2020. With about 20 studies published on the long-term effects of COVID-19, Al-Aly has played a significant role in shaping the world’s understanding of this condition, which can lead to symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and increased risks of chronic conditions.
Prior to the pandemic, Al-Aly’s research focused on studying the health effects of air pollution. However, he shifted his focus to Long COVID after being inspired by an op-ed written by patient advocate Fiona Lowenstein in April 2020. Since then, he has explored the impact of Long COVID on various organ systems, the risks associated with multiple COVID-19 infections, and how Long COVID compares to chronic symptoms of other viruses like the flu.
Moving forward, Al-Aly plans to delve into potential treatments for Long COVID and investigate whether SARS-CoV-2 is unique in its ability to cause long-lasting damage. His research is driven by the experiences of Long COVID patients and he feels a deep sense of connection and responsibility to continue this work.
When asked if he will return to researching air pollution, Al-Aly identifies himself as a Long COVID researcher now and is committed to making a difference in this field. His dedication and passion for helping those affected by Long COVID inspire him to keep pushing forward in his research efforts.
