The World Health Organisation defines post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (Long COVID) as “[a] condition that occurs in individuals with a history of probable or confirmed SARS CoV-2 infection, usually three months from the onset of COVID-19 with symptoms and effects that last for at least two months and cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis. Common symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, cognitive dysfunction but also others and generally have an impact on everyday functioning. Symptoms may be new onset following initial recovery from an acute COVID-19 episode or persist from the initial illness. Symptoms may also fluctuate or relapse over time.”
Research definitions of Long COVID have been developed through a Delphi process for adults and for children. (NSW Government agency for clinical innovation. COVID-19 critical intelligence unit.)
• Thousands report they have not fully recovered from COVID-19
• SARS-CoV-2 injures the immune system leaving ‘memory’ of the infection and affects immune cell function
• Damages haematopoietic stem cells
• Creates long term inflammatory phenotype
• Influences mitochondrial and immune system dysfunction
Approach for long COVID with a functional medicine approach include:
• Deactivating the virus using antiviral compounds
• Modulating cellular repair mechanism by addressing micro clotting fibrinogen formation
• Modulating cellular defence via immune function, addressing inflammation and mast cell activation
• Reducing viral pathological cellular process through clearing debris via the lymph
• Restoring function including heart and lung function, and health and wellbeing
• Restoring and optimising micronutrients
• Supporting health and wellbeing via lifestyle changes including fasting, diet, community and sleep
Key take aways
1. Long COVID influences mitochondrial and immune system dysfunction
2. One in seven COVID patients still symptomatic at 12 weeks
3. Those with a healthy lifestyle, diet and environment, are less at risk of SARS-type illness
6. Long COVID stimulates the innate immunity
7. Low Histamine diet can be used to reduce activation of vascular response of mast cells immune cell recruitment
8. The nutritional environment is key to resolving illness along with a lack (or excess) nutrient intake
9. One night of reduced sleep can disturb the innate immune function disrupt circadian regulation and increase inflammatory cytokines and reduce CD4+, CD8+, and natural killer [NK] cells
10. In a study of over 8,000 adults, adults who were socially engaged had a lower C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, and white blood cells count
11. An individualised funcional medicine approach can improve quality of life for long COVID patients
