Marion County

Ocala researchers work on treatment for COVID-19 patients fighting chronic fatigue

OCALA, Fla. — In total, more than 1.5 million COVID-19 cases have been documented in Floridians.

Most people recover, but some of those survivors still live with lingering, debilitating side effects.

Lauren Wallis, 41, had COVID-19 three months ago but is still feeling the effects.

Watch: Florida COVID-19 vaccine roll out: Debate continues over whether residents should get priority over visitors

“It’s just hard to function like a normal person,” Wallis said. “Just this unbelievable fatigue. I can sleep and do sleep generally between 15 and 16 hours a night. And then when you’re up, it’s muscle aches, constant sweating, forgetfulness.”

Experts believe at least 10% of those who recover from COVID-19 will have lasting symptoms.

Watch: Nearly 30K nonresidents have received COVID-19 vaccines in Florida

Doctors don’t know why that is or how to help them just yet, but it appears chronic fatigue is one of the most complained about symptoms.

Tom Equels is the CEO of Aim Immunotech, an immunology research and development firm based in Ocala.

Watch: Man who received placebo shot in Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine trial removed for getting vaccine elsewhere

Earlier this month, it began testing its drug Ampligen on COVID-19 patients with lingering symptoms.

Equels said Ampligen is, “the only drug that’s approved anywhere in the world as a therapy for severe chronic fatigue syndrome.”

See the full report in the video above.