I recently attended a post research conference in Melbourne on the impact and implications of SARs CoV-2 Post-Viral infections and why the ongoing complexity of this virus is causing so much suffering and long-term health issues.
Post COVID viral syndrome and Long-Covid are two new medical definitions we are now living with. For most, ongoing infections present with mild symptoms that do not require isolation or reporting. As promised, we are now learning to live with the virus. Unfortunately, new data is showing that these ongoing infections may not be new but are actually unresolved SARs CoV-2 infections are that showing up weeks or month post the initial infection. Acute symptoms may persist for weeks, only to reappear months later with a new set of symptoms that up until now have not been linked to the primary infection.
SARS CoV-2 LongTerm Implications
With the increasing number of infections, there are emerging trends of some individuals who do not improve, showing symptoms even after the acute infection has resolved.
These cases have been termed “long haulers”, with the multi-system lingering symptoms now known as long-covid. Currently, 1 in 20 Australians experience symptoms three months post-infection, and this figure is expected to increase.
With research continuously developing, we now have a significantly different understanding of the virus since the start of the pandemic.
At this seminar, the latest developments and understanding of SARS CoV-2 were discussed, with emerging evidence on Post–COVID-19 conditions (PCC), also known as long covid.
The seminar also explored how our knowledge of SARS-CoV-2 has changed since the beginning of the pandemic. Variants of concern were discussed, along with the emerging evidence surrounding reinfections.
Prevention and Treatment Insights
There are many things we can do to protect ourselves from the many viruses we encounter in our environment, including SARs-CoV2. Sun, Salt, and Heat have been shown to impact the protein structure on the spike protein in the initial phases of infection. As the nasal passages are the primary entry for viruses it was recommended that nasal rinsing with a saline solution be used once to twice daily as a prevention and early treatment strategy.
Current Recommendation and Treatment Options
Here is a summary of some of the recommendations and treatment options that were presented at the seminar that we can use to boost our immunity and protect ourselves.
Daily nasal rinsing with saline solution and regular use of herbal nasal sprays during the day
Drinking a few cups of hot green tea daily has been shown to have an antiviral effect due to the EGCG derivatives (ongoing studies from China)
Support a healthy immune system with herbal adaptogens as preventative therapy and treat acute infections with herbal anti-virals
Encourage rest and post infection recovery
Optimise Vitamin D3 and Zinc levels
Practice deep breathing exercises to encourage oxygen intake and healthy lung function
For those living in climates with poor sunlight exposure, the use of light therapy can be used to optimise immune health.
Follow a seasonal, local and fresh Mediterranean diet plan with a broad range of colour and plant-based foods in diet.
Since the onset of SARs-CoV2 there has been an explosion of Herbal Research from countries all around the world. The specific actives of plant medicines are now being highlighted as the medicine of the future for viral infections.
I highly recommend that everyone look at a seasonal prevention plan for their immune health as well as an acute treatment plan this coming year. Recommendations are based on age, gender, previous history of viral infections as well as pre-existing health issues. Are you or someone you know, suffering with symptoms of Long Covid or post viral syndrome? We can help in supporting patients with Long Covid and post viral syndrome.