A look at the science that's been lost on long COVID

Since President Trump took office, hundreds of experts advising on science and research issues have been dismissed. One committee was on long COVID, an issue that doctors are desperate for help with. SCOTT DETROW, HOST: Every year, the government recruits some of the brightest experts and advocates in their fields to work in a largely volunteer program advising federal agencies on science and research. But the Trump administration has dismissed hundreds of these experts from their committees. NPR's Katia Riddle looked closely at the science that has been lost on one urgent issue. KATIA RIDDLE, BYLINE: A turning point for Netia McCray was her 30th birthday. She had COVID, and that day, she realized she wasn't recovering nearly as fast as other people. NETIA MCCRAY: On my birthday, it dawned on me when I woke up and couldn't breathe for the fifth week in a row, this is a signal this is going to be with me for a little bit longer. RIDDLE: That was six years ago. She's still suffering now from long COVID - fatigue, heart palpitations, shortness of breath. She's one of 14 people - doctors, patients, other experts and advocates - who agreed to work together on a committee to think about how best to treat long COVID. But before this federal advisory committee even got going, she got this letter from the Department of Health and Human Services, or HHS. MCCRAY: (Reading) Thank you for your service as a member of the Advisory Committee on Long COVID, or ACLC. …