Long Covid
and Post-Viral Fatigue
For some people, a Covid-19 infection may be followed by a range of symptoms that can persist for months, commonly known as Long Covid.
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Some other viral infections result in similar long-term symptoms, known as post-viral fatigue or myalgic encephalomyelitis / chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).
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Although there is no cure for post-viral fatigue or ME/CFS, there are therapies that are used to support patients by alleviating symptoms.
At PIM we have had some success in supporting patients with these conditions.
What is Long Covid?
Long Covid is a broad term used to describe long-term symptoms following a COVID-19 infection, after the typical period of convalescence from the infection. It is sometimes referred to as post-acute sequelae SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), post-COVID-19 syndrome, or chronic Covid syndrome (CCS).
Long Covid can affect most of the body’s organs and systems. Patients can suffer from fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pains and cognitive issues such as brain fog. Symptoms can persist for months following the initial infection.
The number of people affected is still unclear. A survey in the UK found that around 14% of patients still had one or more symptoms more than three months after infection, while an Oxford University study on US patients showed that 37% of patients had some level of symptoms between three and six months post-infection.
In Australia, medical researchers at the University of New South Wales found that only 80% of COVID-19 patients reported a full recovery at eight months post-illness.
While there is no single, universally accepted definition, it is generally regarded that ongoing symptoms more than three months from the initial illness can be categorised as long Covid.
Research is needed to determine the cause, or causes of long Covid, although early theories suggest the symptoms could be the result of damage to the heart and lungs, the inflammatory response to the virus, and post-viral fatigue or myalgic encephalomyelitis / chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).
Post-Viral Fatigue
Several viral infections are known to result in long-term symptoms, including fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, circulatory system issues and chronic pain.
The causes and mechanisms are not well understood and there are currently no therapies or medications approved to treat post-viral fatigue, or ME/CFS.
Support for Patients
Although there is no cure for post-viral fatigue or ME/CFS, there are therapies that are used to support patients by alleviating symptoms.
At PIM we have had some success in supporting patients with these conditions.
These therapies include dietary and lifestyle changes, as well as intravenous nutrient therapies.
Useful Resources
Patients, carers and anyone with an interest in Long Covid, post-viral fatigue syndromes or ME/CFS may find these publications interesting.
People experiencing symptoms may wish to contact us to learn more.
SARS-CoV-2 RNA found in long Covid patients.
BMC Infectious Diseases journal
Editorial – Post-infection fatigue syndromes
Frontiers in Medicine journal
Intravenous vitamin C in the treatment of shingles
Med Sci Monit journal
NAD+ and COVID-19
Elsevier Covid Resource Centre
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COQ10 and NAD supplementation and ME/CFS
Medical trial, Nutrients journal
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