In this episode of Still Here: Contributing writer Britta Shoot discusses the patchwork of care for people with complex chronic illnesses, like myalgic encephalomyelitis, and how insurance providers create a lose-lose situation for patients and healthcare providers.

Plus, in research, we're looking at a study published in Nature Communications about a new antiviral drug prototype that prevented Long COVID in mice and could also help treat the disease.

And we share a little more about our summer fundraiser, including potential donation perks!

The transcript for this podcast is⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ available on The Sick Times’ website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. You can jump to specific sections of the podcast and transcript below:

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:01:32) Why ME, Long COVID specialists charge high prices for concierge care

(00:12:38) Research: Antiviral drug prototype that prevented Long COVID in mice

(00:14:20) Summer 2025 fundraiser — help us keep our work going!

(00:16:38) Outro

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Mentioned in this episode (in order of appearance):

• The Sick Times: Priced out: Some Long COVID and ME specialists charge high prices for concierge care
• The Sick Times x Long COVID Justice: Long COVID Essentials
• Help for Long COVID
• The Sick Times: Research updates, July 1
• The Sick Times: Summer fundraiser: Help keep our essential work going into 2026

Additional audio in this episode: 

• Rude Mechanical Orchestra: Which Side Are You On? (orig. Florence Reece)