Are you a COVID-19 Long Hauler?

A look at long-term symptoms associated with this Coronavirus

Even though Covid is on the decline for the summer, there are individuals still experiencing residual symptoms. Those with post-COVID-19 syndrome are being referred to as “long-haulers.”

There is a long list of symptoms that seem to be related to the body’s efforts to recover from the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Being overly tired, experiencing consistent body aches and pains, or having a nagging cough is not what anyone wants during our warm weather months.

Chronic infections, like Lyme disease, HIV, hepatitis C, SARS, and Epstein-Barr can linger for months and even years until the viral load is ultimately reduced or eliminated. Or until our body’s inflammatory response is once again moderated.

I read there are sometimes psychological aspects attached to Long COVID where trigger events may cause symptoms to be re-experienced. Sort of like some kind of PTSD or trauma-like effect.

But more commonly, other symptoms may include challenges sleeping, a brain that isn’t quite working the way it was, headaches, and a continued reduced sense of taste or smell. Even chest pressure and breathing problems could be persistent. Of special concern is the possibility of damage or injury to the heart, lungs, brain, neurological function, vessels, and blood circulation.

COVID-19 behaves differently from one person to the next, and this goes with long-haulers. You may have been asymptomatic from the initial infection but then experience lingering symptoms later. Or you may have been hit hard right from the beginning.

While more research is still needed, long-haulers seem to have low-grade inflammation in common. This could be from the virus going dormant, persistence of mediating compounds that promote inflammation, reduced function of natural killer cells that remove infected cells, confused T-cells, and disrupted mitochondria that normally produce energy and immune system signaling.

I’ve seen estimates saying as many as 50% to 80% of COVID patients still have issues 3 months after their initial infection. The numbers are staggering enough that some are referring to this as the Post-Pandemic Epidemic.

Nutritional deficiencies are also a common risk factor and could make things worse. Levels of zinc, B vitamins, C, and trace minerals are important, but vitamin D could be the most significant.

Interesting enough, hyper-mobility appears as a factor due to higher inflammatory conditions. So does mold and exposure to other air micro-particles or volatile organic compounds. These contribute to low-grade lung inflammation.

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and mast cell activation syndrome both raise risk level of chronic COVID symptoms. Basically anything that is related to dysregulation of your inflammatory response system is a problem.

Because of the relationship with mast cells, histamine blockers may be helpful in easing symptoms. Quercetin, vitamins D & C, and luteolin may also contribute to mast cell stabilization. Both low-dose naltrexone and ivermectin are repurposed drugs gaining in attention. Melatonin is being used for it’s anti-inflammatory properties.

I like a whole health approach that addresses underlying issues when dealing with long-term Covid. Diet quality, gut health, mitochondrial function, and nutritional deficiencies should each be taking into account. I would also include evaluating sleep, air, and water quality. Detoxification support is a huge factor for a well running immune system.

Each of these are important health considerations for everyone, but for those with persistent long-term issues related to COVID-19, I would encourage even closer attention.

Andy Pottenger, PharmD, supports optimal health and well being through functional medicine and integrative nutrition.