In the pandemic’s wake, many — perhaps more than 60 million worldwide — are still suffering from long Covid. The condition involves chronic symptoms such as brain fog and extreme fatigue that last for months or indefinitely.
Long Covid’s newness means there isn’t yet a gold standard for treatment. This leaves people searching for appropriate care options, says health and patient advocate Jessica Dove London. And in their searches, people have to sort through heaps of misinformation and constant new research findings.
“It’s a condition where there is so much knowledge the [impacted] community has that researchers don’t have,” Dove London says. “It’s very hard to stay on top of everything all the time. We’re trying to help with that problem.”
That’s where apps come in.
Dove London is the CEO and creator of an app, Turnto, that connects people with information about long-Covid treatment experiences. It’s one of a few new online tools (NURA Community is another) designed to help long-Covid sufferers.
Apps like Turnto provide the latest information on long-Covid research and treatment options. Turnto alone has more than 5,000 downloads so far, providing a platform for people to share their experiences. They also give users daily, personalized updates. The curated voices — researchers, patients, podcasts, products — turn something overwhelming into something manageable and meaningful.
Originally published in the Fall 2024/Winter 2025 print issue.
Aaron Dorman is a reporter based in the Chicago area who specializes in environmental and/or technology issues. He doesn’t understand the difference between mostaccioli and baked ziti; thinks it might be a marketing scam.
