Long Haul COVID-19 Treatment

March 23, 2021

Are you struggling with ongoing symptoms like chronic fatigue, heart palpitations, and brain fog long after your COVID-19 infection?

In the global fight against COVID-19, many have triumphed, but some continue to battle the persistent effects of the virus, known as ‘long COVID’. These individuals, the ‘COVID long-haulers’, embody resilience and determination, adding a significant yet often unspoken chapter to the pandemic’s story.

An estimated 20% of COVID patients face a prolonged battle with symptoms, extending far beyond the usual recovery timeline. This condition doesn’t discriminate by age or previous health status. It affects a diverse range of individuals, from young athletes to elderly individuals, and can occur regardless of the severity of the initial COVID-19 infection.

Long Haul COVID-19 Symptoms

Long COVID, or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), can present a range of symptoms that persist or emerge after the acute phase of the infection. Common long-haul symptoms include:

Fatigue
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Chest pain or tightness
Joint or muscle pain
Difficulty concentrating or “brain fog”
Sleep disturbances
Heart palpitations
Prolonged loss of taste or smell
Headaches
Dizziness when standing (orthostatic hypotension)
Depression or anxiety
Worsening of pre-existing chronic conditions

These symptoms can last for weeks or even months after recovering from the initial COVID-19 infection. The severity and duration vary from person to person.

How Text2MD Can Help

At the forefront of COVID treatment, we have treated over 10,000 patients with COVID related illnesses, from acute COVID to COVID long haul and Post-Vax symptoms from the COVID Vaccine. Eschewing the conventional, one-size-fits-all methodology, we pride ourselves on a dynamic strategy that integrates lifestyle modifications, nutraceutical supplements, laboratory testing and repurposed medications. Our commitment to excellence is demonstrated by our relentless pursuit of the latest research, exploring new treatment methods and understanding the underlying pathophysiology of the disease. With over 10,000 patients treated and an impressive 98% patient satisfaction rate, our success speaks volumes about the effectiveness of our protocols based on COVID Long Haul phenotypes.

Miguel Antonatos MD

I’m a physician specializing in internal medicine with over 15 years of experience working as a hospital medicine attending physician in several hospitals nationwide, with a particular focus on treating sepsis and related conditions. Throughout my career I have obtained multiple state licenses and, I’ve had the opportunity to work in various health systems across the U.S. and, since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, I’ve been privileged to help numerous patients in the U.S., Europe, and Latin America who are dealing with the long-term effects of COVID-19.

My involvement with COVID-19 began in 2020 when I started to explore the latest research on how the virus (SARS-CoV-2) affects the body and to use existing drugs in new ways to combat the virus. My research has covered how the virus interacts with the body’s systems, including how it can lead to blood vessel inflammation, blood clots, activation of certain immune cells, ongoing viral presence, and imbalance in the body’s microorganisms. By networking with other physicians and joining COVID Long Haul Support groups I have learned that one size doesn’t fit all and COVID Long Haul requires a personalized approach. My approach to treatment is customized for each person, avoiding one-size-fits-all methods, and understanding different COVID-19 long-haul phenotypes is essential to direct an effective treatment.

What makes my approach unique is my focus on treating the whole person, not just the illness. While I do use medications, I prioritize natural and comprehensive methods, ensuring that treatment supports overall health and wellness. This deep commitment to the personal well-being of my patients is at the heart of my practice, setting my approach apart from more conventional treatments.

Featured Appearances from our physician Dr. Miguel Antonatos

Dr. Been – Interview with Dr. Antonatos on COVID Management

SolveME -Dr. Antonatos Discussion on Long Covid Technology Panel: Solve Long Covid Initiative & The Global Interdependence Center

How it Works

Get Tested for COVID Long Haul Biomarkers

Long COVID patients present elevated inflammatory biomarkers after initial infection.

We have reviewed several studies identifying biomarkers significantly associated with long COVID

Schedule a Video Call to Meet with Doctor Antonatos and review your laboratory test results, and discuss lifestyle modifications and treatment modalities based on symptoms and laboratory data.

Shared decision-making about your health plan with Dr. Antonatos, and monitor your progress over time

Step 1 – Start by Testing Laboratory Biomarkers

COVID Long Haul Biomarkers:

CytoDx – Cytokines are implicated in systemic and neurological long COVID sequelae, assess systemic immune status and offers insight into pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine balance.
CBC with lymphocyte count – A decrease in lymphocyte count is a common feature in Long COVID. Alteration in red blood cells (RBC) can occur in COVID-19.
Chemistry with liver function tests (CMP) –Changes in liver function markers, such as ALT, AST, LDH, GGT, and ferritin, may be observed in patients who developed long-term COVID-19.
CRP (inflammation) – People with higher levels of CRP after SARS-CoV-2 infection for one or more months may experience long-term COVID symptoms.
Ferritin (macrophage activation) – Serum ferritin levels are increased in COVID-19 due to inflammation. Iron and ferritin toxicity in long COVID can affect the lungs, gut, heart, liver and kidneys, it’s role in inflammation, hyperinflammation, blood vessel wall compromise, coagulation (blood clots) and cytokine activation (cytokine storm). It can cause cell death by interfering mitochondrial function with oxygen absorption.
Cortisol and TSH (Hormonal Dysfunction due to Chronic Stress) Cortisol levels can indicate adrenal function and stress response, which may be disrupted in COVID long haul. TSH tests help assess thyroid function, as thyroid imbalances are sometimes observed in long-term COVID patients, potentially contributing to fatigue and other symptoms.