Long COVID and self-management (22 January 2022)

Summary

People with COVID-19 often have symptoms in the long term (ie, long COVID), including fatigue, breathlessness, and neurocognitive difficulties. The disease mechanisms causing long COVID are unknown, and there are no evidence-based treatment options. Clinical guidelines focus on symptom management, and various treatment options are being evaluated. The scarcity of advice has often left people with long COVID feeling isolated and frustrated in their search for therapies.

Research is needed to understand the self-management practices that are being used to manage long COVID symptoms; factors influencing their uptake; and the benefits, harms, and costs. There is also a need to assess the potential harmful effects of polypharmacy and drug–drug interactions in these individuals. The Therapies for Long COVID (TLC) Study (ISRCTN15674970) will begin to explore self-management practices through a survey of people with long COVID. This study aims to be a first step towards understanding this important and under-researched public health issue.