As the world moves on from the acute phase of the pandemic, many long COVID patients find themselves grappling with bleak recovery prospects. Recent studies suggest that approximately 1 in 5 people could be affected by long COVID, with new AI tools capable of detecting cases from electronic health records and estimating a prevalence rate of 23%. Despite ongoing research and NIH funding, patients report feeling ignored and are still waiting for effective treatments. The complexity of long COVID is further compounded by its potential to worsen preexisting chronic conditions, raising questions about its long-term health implications and risks. Many individuals affected by long COVID share their experiences, emphasizing the need for recognition and support in a world that seems to be moving past the urgency of the pandemic.