Long COVID (aka post-COVID-19 syndrome, post-COVID-19 condition, post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), or chronic COVID syndrome (CCS)), is a condition characterized by long-term symptoms appearing or persisting after the typical COVID-19 convalescence period. Commonly reported symptoms include fatigue, muscle weakness, headache, shortness of breath, loss of smell (anosmia), distorted smell (parosmia), low fever, and cognitive dysfunction such as “brain-fog” and difficulty concentrating.
According to research published in October 2021 in the Journal of American Medical Association’s Open Network, Long Haul Covid affects more than 50% of Covid-19 survivors, and that adults, as well as children, can experience adverse health issues for six months or longer after recovering from COVID-19.
The investigators noted several trends, such as:
· General well being: More than half of all patients report weight loss, fatigue, fever or pain.
· Mobility: Roughly one in five experience a decrease in mobility.
· Neurologic concerns: Nearly one in four experience difficulty concentrating.
· Mental health disorders: Nearly one in three were diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorders.
· Lung abnormalities: Six in ten had chest imaging abnormality and more than a quarter of patients had difficulty breathing.
· Cardiovascular issues: Chest pain and palpitations were commonly reported.
· Skin conditions: Nearly one in five experienced hair loss or rashes.
· Digestive issues: Stomach pain, lack of appetite, diarrhea and vomiting were commonly reported.
That Covid infection can cause such problems should come as no surprise, however, as many viral infections are known to cause a wide-range of sequelae, i.e. post-infection symptoms. And because China has a long history of pandemics, Chinese medicine doctors have been treating viral infections and their sequelae for centuries. In fact, discussion of such conditions and their treatment goes back at least 2000 years in the written record.
Over the centuries the Chinese developed treatments for such conditions, and while there is no panacea or magic bullet, Chinese medicine is currently being used to safely and successfully treat long Covid in both China and the West. I personally have treated dozens of cases, mostly with good results.
A few things to consider:
First, prevention is the best medicine, so do your best to avoid infection. Regular exercise, healthy diet, and adequate sleep all will help keep your body and immunity strong. Certain supplements may also be considered, although it is best to consult with your healthcare provider about which ones and how much to take. Regarding COVID vaccines, please discuss with your primary healthcare provider.
Second, if you do catch COVID, first notify your primary care physician, then:
· Take plenty of rest. This means resting in bed, with eyes closed, taking a nap if you can. Lying in bed while working, watching movies, etc., does not qualify as serious rest. Be sure to rest when in recovery, too, as your body needs that extra energy to restore your health.
· Drink plenty of warm water (body temp or above as the body and immune system function best when warm)
· Eat easy to digest foods such as soups, cooked vegetables, congee
· Avoid sweets, alcohol, deep-fried foods, heavily rich, greasy, or fatty foods
Lastly, if you do end up with long-COVID symptoms, it is not recommended to treat it by yourself with herbs and supplements as it is a complex condition and may be made worse with improper treatment. Also, delaying proper treatment may result in worsening of the condition. So please consult with a practitioner who has proper training and experience. This is especially the case with Chinese herbs, as it requires years of study and practice to become proficient and practice safely and effectively.
You can find a qualified Chinese medicine herbalist by visiting the NCCAOM and searching for a practitioner with either the Oriental Medicine or Herbal certificate.
And if you have any questions about how Chinese herbal medicine can be used to treat long COVID please feel free to contact me.