Explaining Chronic Illness

Who can you honestly talk to about living in the goldfish-bowl of isolation that is chronic illness? Here's how to decide.

Masking and air filtration during COVID surges prevent multiple infections, which can often lead to Long COVID.

Most people with an invisible chronic illness don't ask the manager for accommodations—with a few exceptions. Find out what those are and get free resources, too.

For months, the SPIKE! paper airplane card (left) was among the least-selected cards in the SPIKE! storytelling deck designed for patients with chronic illness to share their life experiences. Then, almost suddenly, it became a favorite. But I wasn't sure why. For those who aren’t chronically ill, here's why I was puzzled. Even though this summer marks the World Cup season, individuals with ME/CFS, Long COVID, and other chronic conditions often avoid travel—especially flying—

can't predict how my symptoms will change and how they will make my body feel. On a stellar day, I may work for six hours, but on a high-flame day, my joints ache, I get a migraine or allergies kick in and I have limited energy. I need help, doc, while I wait weeks to see a specialist.