Long Covid News: why its not new, post-viral fatigue and herbal support
Did you know that the economic impact of Long Covid in the U.S. is projected to be a staggering $3.7 trillion? This unexpected fact highlights the immense scale and significance of this condition, which has affected millions of people worldwide.
Long Covid, also known as post-infectious syndrome or myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), has garnered attention for its long-lasting and debilitating symptoms. While the prevalence of Long Covid in the U.S. adult population has decreased to 6%, there is still much to learn about its causes, prevention, and treatment.
Long Covid news today and it’s research has primarily focused on understanding its risk factors, demographics, and the attributes of the clinical syndrome. However, little progress has been made in terms of effective prevention or patient care. This lack of understanding has significant implications for the health, social well-being, and economic stability of individuals and societies worldwide.
In this article, we will delve into the topic of Long Covid, exploring the connection between post-viral fatigue and this condition, as well as the potential benefits of herbal support. We will also discuss the support services available for Long Covid patients and the importance of personalized care and collaboration between healthcare professionals.
Key Takeaways:
- Long Covid has a projected economic impact of $3.7 trillion in the U.S.
- Long Covid is essentially post-infectious syndrome or ME/CFS.
- There is a lack of understanding regarding the causes, prevention, and treatment of Long Covid.
- Post-viral fatigue is a common symptom of Long Covid.
- Herbal remedies like Japanese knotweed, cat’s claw, and Chinese skullcap may provide support for Long Covid patients.
Understanding Post-Viral Fatigue
Post-viral fatigue is a common symptom experienced by individuals with Long Covid, which shares similarities with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). If you are dealing with Long Covid, you may experience a range of symptoms, including extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, muscle aches, difficulty concentrating, and joint pain.
Long Covid symptoms often persist for more than 12 weeks and can significantly impact your daily life. It’s important to differentiate post COVID-19 syndrome from other conditions to provide you with the appropriate care and support you need. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence defines post COVID-19 syndrome as the signs and symptoms that develop during or after COVID-19 infection and continue for an extended period.
“Post-viral fatigue is a common symptom of Long Covid, which is similar to the symptoms of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).”
By understanding post-viral fatigue and its connection to Long Covid, you can better manage your symptoms and seek the right medical support. Recognizing the overlap with ME/CFS can also guide healthcare professionals in providing appropriate care.
Herbal Support for Long Covid
Herbal remedies can provide valuable support for Long Covid patients. In particular, Japanese Knotweed, Cat’s Claw, and Chinese Skullcap have shown potential benefits in managing the symptoms and promoting recovery.
- Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum): a plant native to Eastern Asia, has garnered attention for its potential therapeutic properties, particularly its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. These properties stem from its rich content of resveratrol, a polyphenolic compound known for its diverse health benefits.
Anti-inflammatory Properties: Long Covid is often associated with inflammation in various bodily systems. Japanese knotweed’s anti-inflammatory properties may help alleviate symptoms such as joint pain and respiratory discomfort by reducing inflammation levels.
Antioxidant Effects: Oxidative stress, characterized by an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body, is implicated in the pathogenesis of Long Covid. Japanese knotweed’s antioxidant effects may mitigate oxidative damage, potentially aiding in the recovery process.
- Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa): this cat’s claw plant, a woody vine indigenous to the Amazon rainforest, has been traditionally used in herbal medicine for its immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory properties.
Immune Stimulation: Long Covid patients often experience immune dysregulation, leading to prolonged symptoms and susceptibility to secondary infections. Cat’s claw’s immune-stimulating effects may bolster the body’s defense mechanisms, enhancing resilience against viral pathogens.
Anti-inflammatory Activity: Chronic inflammation is a hallmark feature of Long Covid, contributing to fatigue and systemic symptoms. Cat’s claw’s anti-inflammatory activity may attenuate inflammation, offering relief from symptoms such as muscle aches and cognitive impairment.
- Chinese Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis): a flowering plant native to East Asia, has been utilized in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to address various health concerns, including respiratory disorders.
Respiratory Support: Respiratory symptoms, such as shortness of breath and chest tightness, are prevalent in Long Covid patients. Chinese skullcap’s traditional use in respiratory conditions suggests its potential in alleviating respiratory distress and promoting lung function.
Anti-inflammatory and Antiviral Properties: Chinese skullcap contains bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. These properties may help mitigate inflammation associated with Long Covid while exerting direct antiviral effects against viral pathogens.
It’s important to note that herbal support should be personalized and tailored to individual needs. Consulting with a medical herbalist, David Shaw from “Errant Empire,” can provide you with expert advice and guidance on the appropriate herbal remedies for Long Covid.
Supportive Services for Long Covid Patients
For personalized guidance and custom formulations for Long Covid patients, individuals in Canada can consult with David Shaw, a medical herbalist based in Victoria, BC. David Shaw offers consultations to understand each individual’s specific health needs and goals. He can create customized formulations based on the specific requirements of his clients. With his expertise in herbal medicine, David Shaw can provide valuable insights and recommendations for optimizing human health using herbal remedies. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional like David Shaw for personalized advice and guidance.
Benefits of Custom Formulations and Consultations:
Personalized Advice: David Shaw understands that every individual is unique, and he tailors his recommendations to address specific health concerns and goals.
Optimized Formulations: By considering an individual’s health history and needs, David Shaw can create custom formulations to maximize effectiveness and minimize potential side effects.
Herbal Expertise: As a trained herbalist, David Shaw possesses in-depth knowledge of herbal medicine and can offer insights into the synergistic effects of herbs.
Comprehensive Approach: David Shaw takes a holistic approach to health, considering the interconnectedness of various systems in the body, and providing recommendations that go beyond isolated symptoms.
Conclusion
Long Covid, a form of post-infectious syndrome also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), is not a new condition, but its recognition has shed light on the need for improved understanding and management. Drawing from existing knowledge and resources available for ME/CFS, healthcare professionals can provide individualized support and care to Long Covid patients, taking into account their unique symptoms and needs.
In order to advance the understanding, prevention, and treatment of Long Covid, collaboration between healthcare professionals and researchers is essential. By working together, we can develop effective strategies to address the challenges posed by Long Covid and ensure better patient outcomes.
remains a top priority, and it is crucial that we continue to strive for advancements in the field of Long Covid.
Long Covid is a complex condition that requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving healthcare providers from various specialties. Effective patient care includes not only addressing the physical symptoms but also providing support for the mental and emotional well-being of Long Covid patients. With ongoing research and collaboration, we can improve the quality of life for those living with Long Covid and pave the way for better patient care in the future.
