In a recent CNN interview, RFK Jr. dismissed the idea that COVID was truly an emergency, claiming that “ICUs were empty” even at the height of the pandemic.
That is simply untrue. I worked in multiple hospitals in 2020 and 2021, where we converted entire hospital floors into makeshift ICUs to care for patients with COVID-19. In this video short, other physicians and nurses respond to his claims.
Then there’s the recent Fauci hearing. There are fair questions to ask about decisions made early in the pandemic, and I would welcome a serious review of what went wrong. Instead, much of the hearing, led by physician Senator Rand Paul, was political theater—not a sincere effort to learn from mistakes.
Both Kennedy and Paul speak about COVID through a revisionist, dismissive lens. That’s hard to watch when so many of us have lost loved ones, and so many of us still live with the aftermath of infection.
It’s also infuriating. I spent some time with that anger last week, thinking about what this language from our leaders means. I worry (and believe) it makes our timeline to meaningful long COVID treatment even longer.
I can’t change politics, but I can keep going with Long Covid, MD. My goal, as always, is to share reliable information, help you make sense of complicated decisions, and offer support.
With that in mind, here’s what I’ve been working on, and what’s coming this month—including a live workshop!
I recently joined The Sick Times’ Still Here podcast.
We talked about how to read a research article, think through treatment options, and spot some of the warning signs of medical misinformation. Which of these topics would you like me to expand into a full newsletter or video?
“How do you spot Long COVID misinformation?”
I was also very grateful to hear Dr. Lucinda Bateman mention my work during RTHM’s recent webinar on post-exertional malaise (PEM).
She referenced last week’s newsletter, where I shared a framework for thinking about pacing.
If you missed it:
Continuing this month’s focus on productivity and pacing, next week paid members will get full access to the planning system I use myself.
It builds on last week’s discussion of treating pacing as work you should be proud of, but this is not typical productivity advice. Instead of a can’t-stop-won’t-stop approach, my framework embraces stopping points. We reflect on our needs, priorities and limitations, and use that insight to decide what actually belongs on our calendar.
I’m hosting a guided planning session on Sunday, August 23 at 9 a.m. Pacific, where we’ll walk through the steps together.
Everyone is welcome to join live. Bring your favorite pen and paper, or your preferred digital tool, and let’s create a workflow that fits our goals. Paid members will also get access to the full replay, so it’s a great time to upgrade your membership to LCMD.
What have you thought about the recent attention on COVID?
Who (else) do you follow for reliable information on Substack?
My long-standing favorites are Your Local Epidemiologist, Eric Topol, and Dr Ruth. Currently, I’m also enjoying Long Covid Advocacy and The Bendy Bulletin. And of course, Vox’s tender descriptions of living with illness in always makes me feel seen.
Hope you’re feeling well today. Until next time,
Dr Zeest Khan
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