While most people soon recover from a Covid-19 infection, some suffer from what is commonly known as Long Covid. They experience a range of symptoms which continue for months or even years, even when no Covid virus is detectable in the body.
Long Covid symptoms vary from patient to patient and over time. They include fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, joint and muscle pain and disturbed sleep, as well as cognitive issues such as brain fog. Dealing with these symptoms on a day-to-day basis can also affect mental health, leading to depression, anxiety and other conditions.
This diagnosis may overlap with ‘dysautonomia’, ‘POTS’ (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome), issues with mast cells and histamine regulation, and fibromyalgia.
Like Covid-19, long Covid is a relatively new condition, but it is less well understood. The underlying causes are many. Your condition may in part be due to brain or organ damage during the main Covid-19 infection, or to an ongoing inflammatory or neurological response.
Long Covid Treatment
At this time there is no cure for long Covid – there are currently clinical trials across the world which are exploring various therapies. Treatment is focused on managing and reducing symptoms, and restoring functioning over time. Since symptoms vary so much from patient to patient, treatment is also highly personalised.
At PIM, we draw on our deep understanding of the immune system and its responses to support long Covid sufferers. Results, like symptoms, can vary widely, but we have seen some success in alleviating symptoms.
Relevant therapies include dietary and lifestyle changes, as well as intravenous nutrient therapies.
There is still much to learn about long Covid, its causes and its treatment. We keep up to date with the research, so that our treatment is as effective as possible.
Long Covid Resources
If you believe that you or someone you are caring for is affected by long Covid, you may find these resources helpful. We update the listing on an irregular basis.
Alternatively, contact us to learn more.
Healthdirect Australia long Covid overview
Emerge Australia long Covid overview
Emerge Australia is the leading national patient organisation for ME/CFS. It also supports those with other post-viral conditions including long Covid.
SARS-CoV-2 RNA found in long Covid patients.
BMC Infectious Diseases journal
Editorial – Post-infection fatigue syndromes
Frontiers in Medicine journal
NAD+ and COVID-19
Elsevier Covid Resource Centre