Long COVID is a term used to describe the general condition of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2, which includes the long-term effects of COVID-19 on an individual’s health. Other names for long COVID include long haul COVID, post-COVID, and chronic COVID. Regardless of the term, it is an actual condition that should not be ignored. Long COVID affects people who have recovered from COVID-19 but continue to experience symptoms for weeks or even months after their initial infection. It is believed that a persistent viral infection, an autoimmune response, or a combination of both may cause long COVID. The symptoms of long COVID can vary widely and may include fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, joint pain, stomach aches and gastrointestinal issues, mood changes, brain fog, and organ damage. The virus may cause damage to various organs and systems in the body, leading to ongoing symptoms.
More than 200 recognized symptoms are associated with long COVID, with more added daily. Symptoms may:
- Start soon after COVID-19 infection
- Appear after recovery from COVID-19
- Come and go
- Be different than the symptoms of COVID-19
- Go away with time
- Be nonexistent during the infection, but appear later.
It is still being determined why some people develop long COVID while others do not. Still, physicians and researchers are working to better understand this phenomenon by working with patients experiencing long COVID. The National Institutes of Health initiated a central collection point called RECOVER for published research and patients who want to be a part of ongoing science to learn more about the condition.
Symptoms of Long COVID are diverse and can vary significantly from person to person, which makes it challenging for healthcare professionals to develop a standardized treatment plan that can effectively address the wide range of symptoms experienced by patients. Remember that long COVID is a new condition, meaning medical professionals learn as they go. Even so, finding a physician who acknowledges the significance of symptoms and validates one’s experiences is crucial. Symptoms can be frustrating and confusing; thus, many worry that healthcare workers won’t believe them.
Integrative Treatments for Long COVID
Restoration Healthcare has experience with long COVID and similarly difficult chronic health conditions. We encourage open dialogue with all our patients to discuss symptoms and health histories. Every bit of information helps physicians develop a personalized health plan. There is no specific test or single treatment for Long COVID; however, our physicians have experience in understanding how viruses damage the immune system and cause chaos to the body’s systems and pathways for communication, nutrition, and functionality.
Our clinic specializes in using integrative medicine to treat long COVID and other complex conditions. We combine conventional medical approaches with functional, integrative, and complementary therapies. We focus on treating the underlying causes of the symptoms rather than just the symptoms themselves. This approach thoroughly evaluates the patient’s medical history, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Treatments may include IV therapy using therapeutic healing compounds, nutritional therapy, dietary supplements, and stress reduction to support the immune system, reduce inflammation and give the body what it needs to heal and recover.
Research has shown that long COVID can affect people of all ages and backgrounds, regardless of the severity of their initial COVID-19 infection. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of long COVID, it is vital to seek medical attention and support. Our physicians offer specialized care for long COVID patients to help manage acute symptoms, restore the body’s innate healing properties and improve quality of life.
Lastly, the long-term effects of COVID-19 on the body still need to be fully understood. The virus may cause damage to various organs and systems in the body, leading to ongoing symptoms. Without a clear understanding of the extent of this damage, it is critical to see a physician as soon as possible to set up a treatment plan to address the long-term effects of COVID-19 effectively. If you are experiencing long COVID symptoms and live in the Los Angeles and Orange County area, Restoration Healthcare has the experience you need to get help. Contact us today or request a patient packet.
Long COVID is a condition that affects people who have recovered from COVID-19 but continue to experience symptoms for an extended period. While the exact cause of long COVID is not yet fully understood, several factors make it challenging to treat.
