If you have recovered from a COVID-19 infection but continue to experience symptoms weeks or months after the original infection, you may have what researchers are now calling Long-COVID Syndrome.
Long-COVID Syndrome is sometimes referred to as Post-COVID, Post-acute COVID-19, Long Hauler COVID, or Chronic COVID. While the terminology is often used interchangeably, researchers have defined two main phases of the condition with the primary distinction being the duration of symptoms.
Long-COVID Syndrome is the umbrella term used to refer to ongoing symptoms beyond 6 weeks from the original COVID-19 infection. Long Hauler COVID is often used interchangeably.
Post-acute COVID-19 is used when symptoms continue beyond 6 weeks and resolve by 12 weeks after the original COVID-19 infection. It is also referred to as Long COVID.
Chronic COVID refers to COVID-19 symptoms that continue beyond 12 weeks after being infected with the COVID-19 virus.
Symptoms of Long-COVID Syndrome
Long-COVID Syndrome is a multi-system disease. This means it can cause problems with your gastrointestinal tract, your neurological system, pulmonary system, or your cardiovascular system. Unfortunately, there is a long list of things that can go wrong. Chronic fatigue is one of the most significant manifestations that we see in the highest percentage of people who have Long-COVID Syndrome.
Other commonly reported symptoms include:
- Difficulty thinking or concentrating (“brain fog”)
- Mood changes
- Change in smell or taste
- Headache
- Sleep disturbance
- Pins-and-needles feeling
- Dizziness on standing (lightheadedness)
- Fever
- Tiredness or fatigue
- Joint or muscle pain
- Diarrhea/Gas/bloating
- Stomach pain
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Cough
- Rash
- Fast-beating or pounding heart (also known as heart palpitations)
Praise for Dr. Kaplan’s book –
Why You Are Still Sick: How Infections Can Break Your Immune System & How You Can Recover
“Gary Kaplan is not only a pioneer in his field, he’s a badass who is changing the face of medicine. This book holds everything I wish I knew twenty years ago about autoimmunity. It’s an incredible resource for anyone with chronic pain and illness. It will bring hope and health to so many people.”
– Dave Asprey, founder, Bulletproof 360
Diagnosis
Questions? Give Us a Call!
Dr. Bruce Patterson, former Head of Virology at Stanford University, now head of IncellDx, has recently identified specific biomarkers within the blood that help us understand what part of the immune system has been damaged in Long-COVID Syndrome. More specifically, Dr. Patterson believes he’s identified one specific type of white cell that becomes damaged by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This new research not only expedites your diagnosis but it gives us clearer insight on what areas of the immune system are damaged and which treatments will best help you recover.
Our Center has decided to work with Dr. Patterson’s lab and utilize the studies and the research he has done in order to get much better results for our patients. If you are experiencing symptoms beyond six weeks of being diagnosed with COVID-19, our Long-COVID Recovery Program may be suitable for you.
In addition to Dr. Patterson’s protocol, you will be evaluated for underlying conditions to determine your general state of health and if there are underlying conditions that may be hindering your recovery.
Treatments
Treating a multi-system condition, like Long-COVID Syndrome requires a multi-dimensional treatment plan. Because recovering from COVID-19 is different for every patient, we’ll devise an individualized treatment plan that includes the best evidence-based therapies to address your symptoms and make sure all of your concerns are understood. Depending on your unique medical profile your treatment may include:
– Prescription Rx
– Nutritional Supplements – The right supplements will support your immune function, brain health, detox, nervous system and more.
– Nutritional Counseling – Certain diets can help lower ongoing inflammation that is thought to be a key cause of long COVID symptoms. A Nutritionist will help you find the diet most appropriate for your medical condition.
– Acupuncture – Acupuncture has shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Benefits include reduced inflammation, better nervous system and immune function, and lower stress levels.
– IV Therapy – We’ll restore vitamin and mineral deficiencies that may be weakening your immune system.
– Physical Therapy – Our physical therapists will select specific exercises, tailored to your needs, to target any musculoskeletal weaknesses or deficiencies.
– Psychotherapy, EMDR & Guided Meditation
– Sleep Evaluation & Management
Our decades of experience in dealing with other multi-system illnesses like ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), fibromyalgia, POTS, depression, anxiety, and chronic & post Lyme disease, puts us in the best position to help you cope with your symptoms and recover from Long-COVID Syndrome.
