Research Page

This page provides key findings from recent research on Long COVID, aiming to share valuable insights into this complex condition. Disclaimer: The author of this page is not a doctor or medical professional. All information presented here is drawn from published research and the references listed below. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and relevance, Long COVID research is rapidly evolving, and no guarantee can be made regarding the completeness or correctness of the information. The content on this page is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Readers remain responsible for their own health decisions and should always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personal medical care and guidance. The goal of this page is to inform and provide a resource for those interested in learning more about Long COVID. Additional research articles or insights are always welcome for review. You can skip to the relevant research articles at the bottom of the page.

Long COVID: Understanding Your Recovery Journey

Long COVID, also known as Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection (PASC), refers to symptoms that persist for weeks or months after the acute phase of a COVID-19 infection. The good news is that most people improve over time, and many experience significant recovery within the first year. Here’s what you need to know.

Common Symptoms of Long COVID

Long COVID can manifest with a variety of symptoms. The most common ones include:
  • Fatigue: A persistent feeling of tiredness that is not relieved by rest [1, 12, 18].
  • Brain Fog: Difficulty with memory, concentration, or mental clarity, linked to serotonin reductions and immune dysregulation [16, 2, 12].
  • Shortness of Breath: Feeling breathless even during normal activities [1, 4].
  • Muscle and Joint Pain: Ongoing aches, stiffness, or tenderness [2, 5].
  • Sleep Issues: Difficulty falling asleep or waking up unrefreshed [9, 15].
  • Cardiovascular Symptoms: Some individuals may experience chest pain, palpitations, or high blood pressure. Research shows COVID-19 survivors are at increased risk for these complications, with younger individuals reporting a higher prevalence of chest pain [19].

For Those Still Suffering Beyond 12 Months

While most people experience significant recovery within a year, a subset of patients continues to struggle with persistent symptoms. If you are still experiencing Long COVID beyond 12 months, you are not alone. New research suggests that individuals may continue to recover beyond one year, with some experiencing slow but steady symptom improvement even after 24 months [11, 18]. Emerging therapies, such as immune-based treatments and symptom-targeted interventions, show promise for those with ongoing symptoms [5, 12]. Research also indicates that immune stabilization and inflammation reduction play a key role in later recovery phases, offering new opportunities for symptom management. Notably, clinical trials have shown that palmitoylethanolamide with luteolin (PEA-LUT), when combined with olfactory training, can improve persistent post-COVID smell loss [20, 21]. A meta-analysis supports these findings [22]. More recent studies, however, caution that the magnitude of benefit may be smaller than first reported, and effects are most consistent for quantitative smell loss, not parosmia [23, 24]. Exploratory retrospective studies also suggest possible benefits for cognition, memory complaints, depression, and fatigue [25–27], though these results are preliminary and low-certainty. By contrast, hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has not demonstrated benefit for Long COVID. While proposed theoretically for immune modulation, no peer-reviewed trials or real-world data support its use in persistent post-COVID symptoms. Large, high-quality studies in acute COVID also found no benefit and noted potential harms [28, 29].

Why Do These Milestones Matter?

  • Immune System Adjustment: The immune system gradually stabilizes, leading to reduced inflammation and symptom relief [12, 13].
  • Serotonin Levels: Some Long COVID patients have lower serotonin levels, affecting mood and cognition. As serotonin levels normalize, brain fog and memory issues often improve [16].

Readily Available and Effective Treatments

Some treatments have been found effective in symptom relief and are widely accessible:
  • Compression Socks: Help improve circulation and manage POTS-like symptoms, reducing dizziness and promoting better blood flow [18].
  • Antihistamines: Both H1 and H2 antihistamines (such as fexofenadine and famotidine) have shown effectiveness in improving symptoms linked to mast cell activation, including fatigue, brain fog, and cardiovascular issues [2, 3, 7].
  • Pacing and Energy Management: Many patients with post-viral fatigue benefit from carefully managing exertion to prevent symptom flare-ups [18].
  • Anti-Inflammatory Therapies: Research suggests that targeting immune dysregulation and thromboinflammation may help reduce symptoms in some Long COVID patients [5, 6].
  • PEA-LUT Supplementation: Supported by randomized controlled trials for olfactory recovery when combined with training, with mixed findings on its added value and only low-certainty evidence so far for cognitive and fatigue improvements [20–27].

Proven Anti-Inflammatory Supplements

Several supplements have demonstrated anti-inflammatory or immune-modulating effects in post-viral syndromes:
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil): May help reduce systemic inflammation and support cognitive function [5, 12].
  • Curcumin (Turmeric Extract): Has known anti-inflammatory properties and may assist in reducing immune overactivation [6].
  • N-Acetylcysteine (NAC): Supports glutathione production and has been studied for its potential to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation [18].
  • Quercetin: A flavonoid with antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties, potentially beneficial for those experiencing mast cell activation symptoms [2, 3].

Mental Health Aspects of Long COVID

Long COVID can impact mental health, with many individuals experiencing increased levels of anxiety, low mood, or depression. This is often due to a combination of ongoing physical symptoms, uncertainty about recovery, and lifestyle limitations [4, 12].
  • Anxiety and Depression: Studies confirm that symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and breathlessness can lead to increased psychological distress, even in previously healthy individuals [4, 12].
  • Support and Recovery: Seeking mental health support, such as counseling or support groups, can be beneficial. A holistic approach that includes both physical and mental well-being has shown promise in aiding recovery.

A Positive Outlook

The majority of Long COVID patients experience steady improvement, and research continues to highlight positive recovery trajectories. While the pace of recovery varies, studies show that gradual healing is the norm [6, 9, 13]. Although Long COVID can be challenging, medical advancements are rapidly unfolding. Research is continuously improving our understanding of the condition, paving the way for new treatment options. In the meantime, pacing, symptom management, and self-care remain valuable tools in your recovery journey.
Research Articles
… from the last 2 to 3 years

References

Below is a list of recent peer-reviewed research articles relating to Long COVID, which shows promising results and aids in our understanding of this disease. If there are research articles which you have found both interesting and useful, please contact us to let us have a look, be sure to include a link.

References

  1. O’Mahoney, L.L., et al. (2023). The prevalence and long-term health effects of Long Covid among hospitalised and non-hospitalised populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis. eClinicalMedicine. DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101762
  2. Sumantri, S., et al. (2023). Immunological dysfunction and mast cell activation syndrome in long COVID. Asia Pacific Allergy. DOI: 10.5415/apallergy.0000000000000022
  3. Weinstock, L.B., et al. (2021). Mast cell activation symptoms are prevalent in Long-COVID. International Journal of Infectious Diseases. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.10.024
  4. Porter, C.K., et al. (2024). Clinical and functional assessment of SARS-CoV-2 sequelae among young marines – a panel study. The Lancet Regional Health – Americas. DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2024.100909
  5. Cervia-Hasler, C., et al. (2024). Persistent complement dysregulation with signs of thromboinflammation in active Long Covid. Science. DOI: 10.1126/science.eadg7942
  6. Peluso, M.J., et al. (2024). Mechanisms of Long COVID and the Path Toward Therapeutics. Cell. DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.07.054
  7. Salvucci, F., et al. (2023). Antihistamines Improve Cardiovascular Manifestations and Other Symptoms of Long-COVID Attributed to Mast Cell Activation. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine. DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1202696
  8. Diexer, S., et al. (2024). Insights into Early Recovery from Long COVID—Results from the German DigiHero Cohort. Scientific Reports. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59122-3
  9. Takakura, K., et al. (2022). Clinical Features, Therapeutic Outcomes, and Recovery Period of Long COVID. Journal of Medical Virology. DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28316
  10. Rua, C., et al. (2024). Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping at 7 T in COVID-19: Brainstem Effects and Outcome Associations. Brain. DOI: 10.1093/brain/awae215
  11. Astin, R., et al. (2023). Long COVID: Mechanisms, Risk Factors, and Recovery. Experimental Physiology. DOI: 10.1113/EP090802
  12. Phetsouphanh, C., et al. (2024). Improvement of Immune Dysregulation in Individuals with Long COVID at 24 Months Following SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Nature Communications. DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47720-8
  13. Hartung, T.J., et al. (2024). Predictors of Non-Recovery from Fatigue and Cognitive Deficits After COVID-19: A Prospective, Longitudinal, Population-Based Study. EClinicalMedicine. DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102456
  14. Qin, S., et al. (2024). Long COVID Facts and Findings: A Large-Scale Online Survey in 74,075 Chinese Participants. The Lancet Regional Health – Western Pacific. DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2024.101218
  15. Davis, H.E., et al. (2023). Long COVID: Major Findings, Mechanisms, and Recommendations. Nature Reviews Microbiology. DOI: 10.1038/s41579-022-00846-2
  16. Wong, A.C., et al. (2023). Serotonin Reduction in Post-Acute Sequelae of Viral Infection. Cell. DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.09.013
  17. Vernon, S.D., Zheng, T., Do, H., et al. (2025). Incidence and Prevalence of Post-COVID-19 Myalgic Encephalomyelitis: A Report from the Observational RECOVER-Adult Study. Journal of General Internal Medicine. DOI: 10.1007/s11606-024-09290-9
  18. Eckey, M., et al. (2025). New Insights into the Long-Term Recovery Patterns in Long COVID Patients. BMC Medicine. DOI: 10.1186/s12916-025-03908-3
  19. Xiong, R., et al. (2025). Long-Term Cardiovascular Complications in Post-COVID Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. European Heart Journal. DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehae025
  20. Di Stadio, A., et al. (2023). Treatment of COVID-19 olfactory dysfunction with olfactory training, palmitoylethanolamide with luteolin, or combined therapy: a blinded controlled multicenter randomized trial. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. DOI: 10.1007/s00405-023-08085-8
  21. Di Stadio, A., et al. (2022). Ultramicronized Palmitoylethanolamide and Luteolin Supplement Combined with Olfactory Training in the Treatment of Long COVID Smell Disorders: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Current Neuropharmacology. DOI: 10.2174/1570159X20666220420113513
  22. Capra, A.P., et al. (2023). Efficacy of Palmitoylethanolamide and Luteolin Association on Post-Covid Olfactory Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Biomedicines. DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11082189
  23. Gellrich, J., et al. (2024). Palmitoylethanolamide and Luteolin for Postinfectious Olfactory Disorders: How Clinically Meaningful Is Its Effect? ORL J Otorhinolaryngol Relat Spec. DOI: 10.1159/000539651
  24. Cantone, E., et al. (2024). Persistent COVID-19 parosmia and olfactory loss post olfactory training: randomized clinical trial comparing central and peripheral-acting therapeutics. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. DOI: 10.1007/s00405-024-08328-6
  25. Cenacchi, V., et al. (2024). Co-ultraPEALut in Subjective Cognitive Impairment Following SARS-CoV-2 Infection: An Exploratory Retrospective Study. Brain Sciences. DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14030293
  26. Merolla, A., et al. (2024). Micronized/ultramicronized PEA improves depression and fatigue in COVID-19 survivors: a retrospective study. Int Clin Psychopharmacol. DOI: 10.1097/YIC.0000000000000457
  27. Raciti, L., et al. (2022). The Use of Palmitoylethanolamide in the Treatment of Long COVID: A Real-Life Retrospective Cohort Study. Medical Sciences. DOI: 10.3390/medsci10030037
  28. RECOVERY Collaborative Group. (2020). Effect of hydroxychloroquine in hospitalized patients with Covid-19. New England Journal of Medicine. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2022926
  29. Fiolet, T., et al. (2021). Effect of hydroxychloroquine with or without azithromycin on mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Microbiology and Infection. DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2021.02.005