It is important to remember that this treatment plan is a new concept and although we are a year down the line with the pandemic and the consequences it has created, the response for Long Covid patients has understandably been slow as it's existence had to be recognised in order for help to be set up.
As a practitioner I feel it is vital that every Long Covid patient is dealt with as an individual, as although there are some commonalities threaded through symptom descriptions, life styles and the background of health before the virus was contracted is as important to consider as the Long Covid Viral Phase and Post Viral Phase.
For example if a patient had already been suffering from severe hay fever, maybe over many years, and already taking anti-histamines we can assume that their histamine levels and processes are already challenged. Therefore, although anti-histamines have been proven to help with the muscle and joint pains Long Covid patients experience, they are warping the immune system in the background. A plan to wean away from Anti-histamines once the patient has improved is therefore advisable so the body's own histamine responses can function normally.
I feel a cautious approach should be taken, and focus on a low histamine diet is advisable rather than over-prescribing.
Weight Loss is a common factor of Long Covid as well, which seems to be perplexing GPs. Essentially, the lack of activity will lead to loss of muscle mass, which in turn leads to loss of appetite as there is less muscle to motivate. Healing takes energy = calories. Therefore, even if there is no appetite it is essential that additional calories are consumed to fuel the healing process.
Patient focused advise and ongoing support is essential for Long Covid patients.
Simple meal suggestions along with monitored supplementation is a positive route forward for these individuals. Emotional support is also essential as the effects of this post viral syndrome can be devastating for the patient and their families.
I hope this helps give some guidance.
To book an appointment with the Faversham Long Covid clinic please email me on:
[email protected]
Many thanks.
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