Long Covid and post-Covid care in Munich

Long Covid refers to health problems that persist for longer than four weeks after a Covid infection or that newly appear. If they last longer than twelve weeks, it is called post-Covid syndrome. Typical features are chronic exhaustion (fatigue), reduced stamina, problems with concentration and memory, sleep disorders, shortness of breath, racing heart and lack of drive. The symptoms can also appear after a mild illness. Their causes are not yet fully understood. Among the possibilities discussed are persistent inflammatory reactions, a malfunction of the immune system, remnants of the virus remaining in the body and disturbances of the small blood vessels. In many people affected, several factors probably act together.

Many people affected find that their condition worsens markedly after physical or mental exertion – often delayed by hours or a day. Experts speak of exertion intolerance or post-exertional malaise. In this case forced exercise can do harm. The recommended approach is so-called pacing: consciously managing your own energy, taking breaks before exhaustion sets in and spreading activities across the day. A diary helps to recognise your own limits. The aim is to avoid setbacks and to stabilise your stamina gradually and carefully. We discuss with you what this can look like in your daily life.

Exhaustion and tiredness have many possible causes. Not everything that appears after a Covid infection is Long Covid. Similar symptoms can be caused, for example, by an underactive thyroid or Hashimoto's disease, iron deficiency and anaemia. A lack of vitamin D or vitamin B12, sleep disorders, depression or heart and lung conditions are also possible. In women, hormonal causes come into play, especially during the menopause. Prof. Schulte-Uebbing described back in 2014 that tiredness can conceal a thyroid condition: “Depressive Moods, Tiredness, Poor Performance – Hashimoto's Disease: An Often Overlooked Important (Partial) Cause” (gyn, 2014). Careful assessment is therefore the first step.

As an immunological practice, we care for patients with Long Covid symptoms such as chronic exhaustion, lack of drive, fatigue and immune deficiencies – in other words, weakened defences. Our therapy after Covid infections includes complementary immunotherapies. These include individually tailored infusions, for example with vitamins, trace elements and amino acids, as well as acupuncture and intravenous laser therapy. These methods are based on the idea of supporting metabolism and the defences and so accompanying recovery. For Long Covid their effectiveness has not been proven scientifically. That is why we use them only after assessment, in agreement with you and as a complement. What we do not do: promise you a quick recovery.

Long Covid is being intensively researched worldwide. Studies are under way on medicines, rehabilitation and causes. So far, however, there is no treatment that removes the cause in everyone affected. Many people notice an improvement over time; for some it takes longer. For severe courses, for example with marked exertion intolerance or the picture of myalgic encephalomyelitis / chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), there are specialist outpatient clinics and rehabilitation services. We see ourselves as your local point of contact who listens, assesses and supports – and, where necessary, refers you to specialists.