Alyssa Milano’s Harrowing COVID-19 Journey: Unpacking Long-Hauler Symptoms, Hair Loss, and Persistent Health Challenges

Actress Alyssa Milano has been commendably transparent about her ongoing battle with the long-term effects of COVID-19. After revealing in early August that she tested positive for coronavirus antibodies, the 47-year-old star has continued to share candid updates with her followers across social media platforms. Her aim is not only to document her personal struggle but also to shed light on the lesser-known, yet deeply impactful, prolonged symptoms experienced by many survivors. Among the most alarming of these revelations has been her struggle with significant hair loss, a distressing side effect that has shocked many and underscored the unpredictable nature of this deadly virus.

Alyssa Milano‘s journey through the aftermath of COVID-19 has served as a stark reminder of the virus’s insidious reach beyond initial infection. On a recent Monday, she took to both Instagram and Twitter to share a truly frightening update concerning her ongoing battle with coronavirus. In a raw, unedited video, Alyssa demonstrated the severity of her hair loss, brushing her hair to reveal alarming clumps coming out. This deeply personal moment highlighted a symptom she had been experiencing for more than four months since she first began feeling the debilitating effects of the coronavirus. Her courage in sharing such a vulnerable experience immediately resonated with countless individuals, many of whom have also reported similar post-COVID hair shedding.

Thought I’d show you what #Covid19 does to your hair. Please take this seriously. #WearADamnMask #LongHauler pic.twitter.com/H0wCmzYswV

— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) August 9, 2020

In the accompanying caption to her powerful video, Alyssa urged her followers, “Thought I’d show you what #Covid19 does to your hair. Please take this seriously.” She emphatically added the hashtag, “#WearADamnMask,” reinforcing a crucial public health message. Milano also utilized the hashtag #LongHauler, a term that has become increasingly recognized to describe the cohort of coronavirus patients who continue to experience a myriad of debilitating symptoms for weeks or even months after their initial diagnosis, as reported by Today. After visibly demonstrating the shocking amount of hair she lost with just one brushing, she picked up the fallen strands and stated with gravitas, “One brushing, this is my hair loss from COVID-19, wear a damn mask.” Her direct appeal highlighted not just her personal ordeal but also the broader societal responsibility to mitigate the spread of the virus.

Following her initial video update, Alyssa further informed her followers through a subsequent tweet that a significant percentage of survivors are grappling with similar post-viral complications. She highlighted that “65% of COVID-19 survivors surveyed report experiencing hair loss, among other long-term effects.” This compelling statistic was drawn from a comprehensive survey involving 1,500 COVID-19 patients who had experienced persistent, long-term symptoms, including but not limited to hair loss. The vital survey was diligently conducted by Dr. Natalie Lambert from Indiana University School of Medicine, in collaboration with the influential nonprofit organization Survivor Corps. This research underscores the widespread nature of these post-viral complications, transforming what might be seen as isolated incidents into a recognized medical phenomenon. The public’s concern was palpable, with one fan asking on Twitter, “Have you had thyroid checked also?” to which Alyssa thoughtfully replied, “I’m going today to get more blood work,” indicating her proactive approach to understanding and managing her ongoing health challenges. This interaction further emphasized the complexity of long COVID and the need for thorough medical investigation.

The phenomenon of “long COVID” or “post-COVID syndrome” is a growing area of medical concern and research. While initial focus was on acute infection, it has become increasingly clear that for a substantial number of individuals, the effects of COVID-19 can linger for months, profoundly impacting quality of life. Symptoms can range from profound fatigue, “brain fog,” and shortness of breath to heart palpitations, digestive issues, and, as Alyssa Milano has bravely shown, significant hair loss. The exact mechanisms behind these prolonged symptoms are still being investigated, but theories include persistent inflammation, autoimmune responses, and viral reservoirs within the body. Alyssa’s willingness to share her experience helps destigmatize these conditions and encourages others experiencing similar issues to seek medical help and validation, ensuring that these often-invisible struggles are acknowledged and addressed by healthcare professionals and the broader community.

Alyssa’s public health update regarding her hair loss came just three days after another alarming incident: a trip to the emergency room on August 7. She sought urgent medical attention after experiencing a severe “heaviness” in her chest, a symptom that understandably caused significant concern. During her visit, she shared a poignant photo of herself from a hospital bed, wearing a mask and hooked up to an IV. This image served as another powerful visual testament to the seriousness of her condition and the ongoing toll COVID-19 was taking on her body. Her dedication to keeping her followers informed, even in moments of personal crisis, highlighted her commitment to public awareness and to urging caution about the virus.

I was acutely sick w/ Covid19 in April. I still have many symptoms. I am what they call a “long hauler”. Last night, I had real heaviness in my chest. I went to the ER just to make sure it wasn’t a blood clot. Thankfully, it wasn’t.

This virus sucks. Please take it seriously. pic.twitter.com/JcMkVSNn4y

— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) August 9, 2020

In her tweet accompanying the ER photo, Alyssa candidly explained, “I was acutely sick w/ Covid19 in April. I still have many symptoms. I am what they call a ‘long hauler’. Last night, I had real heaviness in my chest. I went to the ER just to make sure it wasn’t a blood clot. Thankfully, it wasn’t.” The relief in her words was palpable, yet it was overshadowed by the overarching message: “This virus sucks. Please take it seriously.” This incident served as a stark reminder of the potential for severe cardiovascular complications associated with COVID-19, even weeks or months after the initial infection. The fear of a blood clot, a known severe complication of the virus, is a reality for many long-haulers, adding another layer of anxiety to their already challenging recovery. Such experiences highlight the importance of not dismissing persistent or new symptoms post-COVID, and seeking professional medical advice immediately.

Milano’s decision to share her ER visit underscores the unpredictable nature of post-COVID symptoms and the necessity of prompt medical evaluation for any alarming changes. For many individuals recovering from the virus, new or worsening symptoms can trigger panic and uncertainty, often leading to multiple doctor visits and tests. By publicly navigating these health scares, Alyssa Milano not only validates the experiences of countless others but also encourages open dialogue about the often-invisible burdens carried by COVID-19 survivors. Her advocacy has been pivotal in bringing mainstream attention to the reality of chronic COVID symptoms, fostering a greater understanding among the general public and within the medical community about the enduring impact of this disease. This visibility helps ensure that long-haulers receive the recognition and research attention they desperately need.

Alyssa first publicly revealed her positive test for coronavirus antibodies in a poignant and lengthy post shared across both Instagram and Twitter on August 5. Accompanying a striking photo of herself wearing an oxygen mask, a vivid depiction of her acute illness, she wrote, “This was me on April 2nd after being sick for 2 weeks.” A second, equally significant photo in her post displayed her positive antibody test results, providing tangible proof of her prior infection. This announcement came after months of feeling unwell and undergoing various tests, highlighting the diagnostic challenges associated with COVID-19 during the early stages of the pandemic, when testing was less available and the virus’s presentation was less understood.

This was me on April 2nd after already being sick for 2 weeks. I had never been this kind of sick. Everything hurt. pic.twitter.com/X598YtqKbx

— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) August 6, 2020

Delving deeper into her initial acute illness, the Charmed alum admitted, “I had never been this kind of sick.” She recalled a terrifying litany of symptoms: “Everything hurt. Loss of smell. It felt like an elephant was sitting on my chest. I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t keep food in me. I lost 9 pounds in 2 weeks. I was confused. Low grade fever. And the headaches were horrible. I basically had every Covid symptom.” This vivid description paints a grim picture of the severe, multi-systemic attack the virus launched on her body, far beyond what many initially understood as a simple respiratory illness. Her account provided critical insight into the myriad ways COVID-19 could manifest, often mimicking other conditions and making early diagnosis difficult for patients and healthcare providers alike.

Despite experiencing such severe and widespread symptoms in March, Alyssa initially faced diagnostic hurdles. “At the very end of March, I took two Covid-19 tests and both were negative,” she explained. This experience mirrors that of many others who received false negatives during the early phases of the pandemic due to testing limitations and the evolving understanding of the virus. It was only after enduring an agonizing four months with lingering and varied symptoms that she finally received confirmation. These persistent ailments included “vertigo, stomach abnormalities, irregular periods, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, zero short term memory, and general malaise.” Driven by the continuous suffering, she sought a more definitive diagnosis, opting for an antibody test through a blood draw rather than a less reliable finger prick method. The results confirmed her suspicions: she tested “POSITIVE for covid antibodies. I had Covid19,” she wrote, bringing closure to months of uncertainty and illness. At the time of this crucial revelation, Alyssa also expressed her profound commitment to helping others, stating that she “will be donating [her] plasma with hopes that [she] might save a life.” This act of altruism underscored her resilience and desire to turn her personal hardship into a source of hope for others, showcasing the true spirit of a survivor. Her story remains a powerful testament to the devastating and prolonged impact of COVID-19, serving as a critical reminder of the need for continued vigilance, empathy, and scientific inquiry into its long-term effects.