We have been unlocking data about Long COVID in a series of posts here. We focused on fatigue when we began, however since then we have discovered the topic is broader. Today, as therapists search for Long COVID treatment this is becoming even more critical. That’s because breaking news reveals over two million UK people already suffered from the condition.
New Pressures as Therapists Search for Long COVID Treatments
David Cox from BBC Health continues to provide useful guidance, based on London COVID Clinic Manager Melissa Heightman’s experience. We are tapping into this expansive knowledge base, because United Kingdom’s experience of variants Alpha and Delta can help North America prepare.
Melissa is finding the complexity of Long COVID a major challenge, as she and other therapists scramble to develop treatments. However, they are largely on their own, because Government focus is still on vaccines and there are no treatment trials.
‘You feel a bit helpless,’ she told David Cox. ‘We don’t have time, we need answers now. You have patients out there who are trying all kinds of things in desperation, but their benefits are negligible.’
The Road to Treatment Following Comparable Illnesses
As therapists search for long COVID treatment, researchers conclude neuro inflammation is one of the key drivers. They say surges of this in the blood stream are causing autoimmune responses, that disperse rapidly through the brain.
Japanese scientists have observed similar chronic neuro inflammation in a number of patients with ME/CFS infections. Now, this encephalomyelitis / chronic fatigue syndrome also causes greatly lowered ability to do activities, that were previously usual. Some immunologists are therefore recommending trailing known anti-inflammatory medications on Long COVID patients.
Current thinking singles out two possibilities. These are (a) antibiotics which seems to work for patients with higher levels of inflammation in the blood. Or alternatively (b) cytokine inhibitors, because these could suppress the auto immune signals.
Related
Long COVID and Autoimmune Responses
Immune Sanctuaries Preventing Inflammation
Preview Image: Chemical Synapses and Networks
Two Million People Affected by Long COVID in UK
