The prevalence of persistent symptoms after acute symptoms of COVID-19 is approximately 30%. This is termed "long COVID" and can last for months at a time, regardless of the severity of the initial infection and well after blood tests show no virus in the system and while it’s clear that people with certain risk factors including high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity and pre existing health conditions are more likely to have a serious bout of COVID-19, there isn’t a clear link between these risk factors and long-term problems.
Dr Steven Deeks from the University of California suggests that the long COVID symptoms are a result of the inflammation cause by the virus. "The first couple of weeks of the infection is associated with a massive amount of inflammation. The virus just blows up the immune system," Deeks says. "So it's reasonable to think that, in some people, the acute COVID results in an inflammatory state that can contribute to long COVID over time."
Other theories suggest that long lasting changes to the immune system put a direct strain on other organs. These changes, particularly in the lungs, may last longer than the time it takes for the body to remove the virus.
Symptoms include:
Fatigue ranging from mild to severe
Brain fog
Sleep Disturbances
Arthralgia (Joint Stiffness)
Pharyngitis (Sore Throat)
Myalgia (Muscle Aches)
Headache
Fever
GI discomfort
Naturopathic approaches for Long COVID aim to rejuvenate the immune system, decrease inflammation, support a diverse microbiome, reverse autonomic nervous system dysfunction from ongoing stress, and reduce environmental exposures that may affect endocrine dysfunction.
Treatment will always be individualised and based on a persons presenting symptoms but my general advice would be:
Ensure you are getting at least 8 hours sleep per night
Eat a diet high in antioxidants to reduce free radical damage
Use a good quality Quercetin supplement - Quercetin, as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic and inflammatory compound. https://www.discoveringbalance.com.au/product-page/db-dispensary-australian-made-quercetin-60-capsules
Astragalus - Astragalus is an extremely valuable herb for restoring immune function after illness and can also be used to maintain the body's normal defences against cold and flu.
CoQ10 - An antioxidant which can boost your immunity and help your muscle pain. CoQ10 also helps generate ATP and can therefore assist with energy.
Stay hydrated - Your brain is made up of 75% water, so it needs fluids in order to work properly. Water is going to help keep your blood pressure normalised; it's going to help flush out waste from your cells; it keeps your cells metabolically active and healthy, all of which are important functions for brain health. Water is also crucial for memory and mental clarity, even if you have a 1 to 2% drop in hydration, you can experience brain fog.
Finally, if you suspect you are are experiencing long COVID and you are unable to get the support you need, please get in touch. I do offer 20 minute Acute consultations where a tailored regime is given. Find out more by emailing mjanewellness@gmail.com
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