Title: Research Explores Anti-Viral Medication as Potential Treatment for Long Covid – Doctor Unable to Work for 10 Months
A doctor, Dr. Kate Jones, has been unable to work for the past 10 months after contracting Covid-19. Now researchers have secured funding to investigate whether an anti-viral medication could be effective in treating individuals living with Long Covid, according to a report by DevonLive.
Dr. Jones, a paediatrician and mother of three, has been unable to resume her work since December 2022. Initially, she experienced flu-like symptoms, rendering her bedridden for a couple of weeks and unable to celebrate Christmas.
In early January, thinking her symptoms had improved, Dr. Jones decided to work a hospital shift. However, the demanding shift left her extremely exhausted. I love my job, and I haven’t been able to do it at all since January, she expressed. Dr. Jones experiences dizziness, fatigue, breathlessness, and cognitive dysfunction or brain fog, which makes it challenging for her to carry out even simple tasks.
Her sister, a respiratory consultant, suspected that she might be suffering from Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS), a condition characterized by an abnormal increase in heart rate when standing. This condition has been linked to Long Covid. Dr. Jones also had low blood pressure and often had to lie down with her legs up after minimal exertion, unable to stand for more than a few minutes. Her sister recommended some medications, which she started taking promptly. Dr. Jones acknowledged that these medications provided some relief, but her condition remains frustratingly challenging.
The ground-breaking project, in collaboration with the University of Derby, the University of Exeter, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust, and Gilead Sciences, Inc., aims to explore the potential of an existing anti-viral medication in combating Long Covid. The study will involve assessing eligible patients before and after administration of the medication to monitor any improvements in their long-standing symptoms.
Long Covid continues to be a significant health and societal challenge, affecting approximately 1.9 million people in the UK alone, with a considerable number experiencing symptoms for over two years. Globally, it is estimated that over 144 million individuals have developed Long Covid, and 22 million experience persistent symptoms after 12 months of infection.
The exact cause of Long Covid is yet to be determined, although it is widely believed that the virus lingers in specific cells of infected individuals, triggering an associated inflammatory response and a range of prolonged symptoms.
This study, made possible by funding from Gilead Sciences, Inc., aims to investigate whether a specific antiviral medicine could be a viable treatment option for diagnosed Long Covid patients. The research will evaluate exercise tolerability and may include detailed body scans to assess the potential reduction of ongoing inflammation associated with Long Covid.
Dr. Mark Faghy, the lead researcher and associate professor in respiratory physiology at the University of Derby, underlined the importance of this project in improving care for Long Covid patients. With no proven treatments currently available to improve patient outcomes, this study seeks to explore the therapeutic potential of existing antiviral treatments.
By engaging with patients and healthcare providers, Dr. Faghy’s team has obtained valuable insights into the lived experiences and needs of Long Covid patients. This collaborative and patient-centered approach has informed the design and development of services for individuals suffering from Long Covid.
Starting from January 2024, eligible individuals will be invited to participate in the study. The initial research phase will encompass various measures, including exercise tolerability, and participants at the University of Exeter may undergo detailed body scans. If successful, the study will progress to larger-scale research targeting symptom improvement in 2024.
Dr. Julian Cole, the country medical director at Gilead Sciences UK & Ireland, emphasized the importance of finding effective treatments for Long Covid, a condition that can have a devastating impact on individuals’ lives. Gilead Sciences is committed to supporting innovative research in this field, and the collaboration on this crucial study offers hope to those living with Long Covid.
As the global community grapples with the long-lasting effects of Covid-19, finding effective treatments for Long Covid is of paramount importance. This research project aims to provide much-needed insights into potential treatment options, reduce the number of people affected by Long Covid, and ultimately improve quality of life for those suffering from this debilitating condition.
