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Tag: medical treatments

Topic: long COVIDView all posts for the topic: long COVID

Tackling the ‘silent pandemic’: breakthrough study puts first long COVID treatment on horizon

Published April 8, 2025

Still COVIDing Canada Posts

Published by: WEHI
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Researchers have shown a new drug compound can prevent long COVID symptoms in mice – a landmark finding that could lead to a future treatment for the debilitating condition.

The world-first study found mice treated with the antiviral compound, developed by a multidisciplinary research team at WEHI, were protected from long term brain and lung dysfunction – key symptoms of long COVID.

Researchers hope the unprecedented results could lead to clinical trials and the first treatment for the disease in the future.

Continue readingTackling the ‘silent pandemic’: breakthrough study puts first long COVID treatment on horizon
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Topic: hydroxychloroquineView all posts for the topic: hydroxychloroquine

Invalidation of a landmark study on COVID-19 published by a French doctor

Published December 17, 2024

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Published by: La Presse / Agence France-Presse
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“Concerns have been raised” relating to respect for “publication ethics” of the journal’s publisher, and “the appropriate conduct of research involving human participants, as well as concerns raised by three of the authors themselves regarding the article’s methodology and conclusions,” stated Elsevier, the publisher of the scientific journal International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents, in a lengthy note justifying this rare retraction.

The article, signed by 18 authors, notably Philippe Gautret, then a professor at the Marseille IHU, and Didier Raoult, who directed this institute, intended to demonstrate the efficacy of hydroxychloroquine, combined with an antibiotic – azithromycin – against COVID-19.

Continue readingInvalidation of a landmark study on COVID-19 published by a French doctor
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Topic: long COVIDView all posts for the topic: long COVID

Long COVID: SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Accumulation Linked to Long-Lasting Brain Effects

Published November 29, 2024

Still COVIDing Canada Posts

Published by: Helmholtz Munich
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Researchers from Helmholtz Munich and Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) have identified a mechanism that may explain the neurological symptoms of Long COVID. The study shows that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein remains in the brain’s protective layers, the meninges, and the skull’s bone marrow for up to four years after infection. This persistent presence of the spike protein could trigger chronic inflammation in affected individuals and increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. The team, led by Prof. Ali Ertürk, Director at the Institute for Intelligent Biotechnologies at Helmholtz Munich, also found that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines significantly reduce the accumulation of the spike protein in the brain. However, the persistence of spike protein after infection in the skull and meninges offers a target for new therapeutic strategies.

Continue readingLong COVID: SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Accumulation Linked to Long-Lasting Brain Effects
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Everything Wrong with Canada’s Proposed Long COVID RecommendationsPhoto of a doctor. She is wearing an obsolete blue medical mask, a blue cap and a white gown. Photo: Bermix Studio / Unsplash.
Topic: long COVIDView all posts for the topic: long COVID

Everything Wrong with Canada’s Proposed Long COVID Recommendations

Published November 25, 2024

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Published by: Canadian Health Sentinel
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By Simon Spichak

Researchers involved in the organizations Cochrane Canada and the McMaster GRADE Centre at McMaster University are developing guidelines to prevent and treat Long COVID in Canada. Their effort is supported by the Public Health Agency of Canada and their recommendations would likely have major sway in the way Long COVID is treated if adopted.

Every month, they release new recommendations and provide an opportunity for public comment. On November 20th, the group released a new set of Canadian Post-COVID Condition (CAN-PCC) recommendations which propose harmful and ineffective treatments: Exercise to prevent Long COVID and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to treat post-exertional malaise (PEM).

Continue readingEverything Wrong with Canada’s Proposed Long COVID Recommendations
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Topic: AlbertaView all posts for the topic: Alberta

The story of Alberta’s rural long COVID program that never was

Published November 24, 2024

Still COVIDing Canada Posts

Published by: St. Albert Gazette
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By Brett McKay

As better diagnosis and symptom management emerged for people with long COVID, researchers in Alberta set to work creating a program that could remotely connect urban specialists and rural patients. Between development and clinical implementation, the project was shelved.

With the province closing its clinics dedicated to treating people with long COVID, the story of Alberta’s innovative rural outreach program appears destined to remain incomplete.

Long COVID, or post COVID syndrome, refers to patients who are still experiencing symptoms twelve weeks after the initial infection. According to Health Canada, the condition affects about 1 in 9 adults who have had COVID.

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Topic: PaxlovidView all posts for the topic: Paxlovid

Paxlovid cuts COVID hospitalization, death risk and speeds symptom relief, studies find

Published November 11, 2024

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Published by: CIDRAP
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By Mary Van Beusekom

New findings from two studies have tied use of the antiviral drug nirmatrelvir-ritonavir (Paxlovid) to a reduction in COVID-19 hospitalizations and death, as well as to faster resolution of symptoms and less use of healthcare resources.

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Topic: PaxlovidView all posts for the topic: Paxlovid

Paxlovid tied to fewer COVID-19 hospitalizations, reduced risk of long COVID

Published October 29, 2024

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Published by: CIDRAP
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By Stephanie Soucheray

A new retrospective cohort study conducted in Dubai shows that the antiviral nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir, sold as Paxlovid, is tied to a 61% reduction in COVID-19 hospitalization and a 58% lower rate of long COVID.

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Topic: long COVIDView all posts for the topic: long COVID

‘Do no harm’ is hurting 400 million long Covid patients worldwide

Published October 24, 2024

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Published by: STAT
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By Julia Moore Vogel, Charlie McCone

Imagine, for a moment, that you wake up one morning with a debilitating illness that won’t let go. Weeks and months pass, but the crushing fatigue, constant headaches, and aching muscles remain. You can’t think straight. Simply showering or doing the dishes leaves you floored for days at a time, and the unpredictable symptoms — shortness of breath, dizziness, a racing heart — ebb and flow without warning. You find your life as you knew it slipping away.

This is life with long Covid: a condition that transforms the familiar rhythms of daily life into a living nightmare and constant battle for energy and clarity. But what happens when the only hope of lessening its severity becomes an issue of equity?

We are two of the more than 400 million people worldwide who have experienced long Covid. While we are both over four years into this illness, there is still not a single FDA-approved treatment for this devastating condition. Given the slow pace of research and development, there is unlikely to be proven treatment for years — possibly decades.

Continue reading‘Do no harm’ is hurting 400 million long Covid patients worldwide
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Topic: New BrunswickView all posts for the topic: New Brunswick

Changes in Paxlovid coverage raises concerns about affordability, access in N.B.

Published October 15, 2024

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Published by: CBC News
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By Bobbi-Jean MacKinnon

New Brunswick has taken steps to make Paxlovid more affordable for some people at higher risk of becoming severely ill or dying from COVID-19, now that the federal government has stopped supplying the anti-viral medication to provinces for free.

But the drug designed to reduce symptoms from an infection and shorten the period of illness remains out of reach for many, either because of the cost of about $1,400 for a five-day course, a lack of timely access, or reduced eligibility.

Continue readingChanges in Paxlovid coverage raises concerns about affordability, access in N.B.
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Topic: parosmiaView all posts for the topic: parosmia

London clinical trial targets lingering COVID toll on patients – smell distortion

Published October 6, 2024

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Published by: The London Free Press
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By Beatriz Baleeiro

Haunted for more than a year by phantom smells she couldn’t explain, Rebecca Bruzzese said she worried about her safety and mental health.

She could smell burning cigarettes in her living room, but no one was smoking. Beef frying on the stove smelled like “excrement in a pan.” Coffee was even worse.

“It smelled like hot garbage,” the 32-year-old said.

Unable to eat, Bruzzese lost 30 pounds and developed other health problems.

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Topic: medical treatmentsView all posts for the topic: medical treatments

Want To Prevent Long Covid? Should You Take Metformin Or Paxlovid?

Published September 25, 2024

Still COVIDing Canada Posts

Published by: Forbes
Published on:
By Judy Stone

Previously, I wrote about Paxlovid being underprescribed for treating acute Covid in patients at high risk for serious illness. The FDA granted an Emergency Use Authorization based on data showing that “Paxlovid significantly reduced the proportion of people with Covid-19 related hospitalization or death” by 88% compared to placebo.

In unvaccinated people, Paxlovid was also associated with a 26% lower risk of long Covid in a study by Ziyad Al-Aly.

The data on Paxlovid for those previously vaccinated is mixed. A smaller study from the University of California at San Francisco found no benefit in people who had been previously vaccinated.

Continue readingWant To Prevent Long Covid? Should You Take Metformin Or Paxlovid?
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Topic: AlbertaView all posts for the topic: Alberta

Opinion: Closing long-COVID clinics a devastating blow to patients

Published August 16, 2024

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Published by: Edmonton Journal
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By Laura Collison

I was dismayed to see Alberta Health Services’ decision to abruptly shut down the three long-COVID clinics and outpatient programs last week. This was done without any consultation, notice or consideration for those who access these crucial health care services.

As a long-COVID patient I was personally able to access their rehab services, which were incredibly helpful for me. Many may not realize how long-COVID impacts the entire body, and the extent of care supports many long-COVID patients require.

I went from being a very active person to being homebound and unable to work. The support I received through the clinic helped me regain some of my function and made my activities of daily living more manageable.

Through the clinic I was able to access cardiac and respiratory testing, as well as many rehabilitation therapists, including a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, recreational therapist (so critical when you’re housebound), a speech language pathologist, and a social worker.

Continue readingOpinion: Closing long-COVID clinics a devastating blow to patients
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Fallout ensues after the closure of long-COVID outpatient programScreenshot of video from Global News. Petition organizer McKenna Kirby is speaking. She has light brown hair, glasses, and a light blue top.
Topic: AlbertaView all posts for the topic: Alberta

Fallout ensues after the closure of long-COVID outpatient program

Published August 15, 2024

Still COVIDing Canada Posts

Published by: Global News
Published on:
By Justin Sibbet

Those suffering from long-COVID in Alberta are fighting back after the government informed them the Long-COVID Inter-Professional Outpatient Program was ending.

For some, COVID feels like a distant memory, a time when the world seemed to stop as everyone navigated the pandemic. Yet for many, it’s not in the rearview mirror, it’s still an ever-present reality and daily fight.

Jennifer Hare has had long-COVID for three years.

“Literally, my entire life is planned whereas before, I was a normal human being,” said Hare.

Continue readingFallout ensues after the closure of long-COVID outpatient program
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Topic: pro-virus policiesView all posts for the topic: pro-virus policies

The US Government Is Shutting Down A Key Covid Website

Published August 15, 2024

Still COVIDing Canada Posts

Published by: ¡Do Not Panic!
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By Nate Bear

Tomorrow the US government agency responsible for biomedical and public health research, The National Institutes of Health, will shut down its Covid-19 ‘special populations’ website.

This site hosts a huge amount of information about how to treat covid and long covid in the immunocompromised and in people with HIV, cancer and similar immune supressing conditions – so-called ‘special populations.’

The site is going totally offline.

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Topic: AlbertaView all posts for the topic: Alberta

Alberta shuts down long-COVID program

Published August 9, 2024

Still COVIDing Canada Posts

Published by: Edmonton Journal
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By Matthew Black

Alberta Health Services (AHS) is closing down its long-COVID outpatient program that had been operating since 2021.

In a letter to patients dated Aug. 8, AHS says the program has concluded.

“Your health and well-being remain a priority, and we are committed to ensuring you receive support during the transition,” it reads.

“We understand that this change might be challenging for some and thank you for your understanding and co-operation during this transition period.”

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Topic: long COVIDView all posts for the topic: long COVID

Sanders Proposes ‘Moonshot’ Bill to Combat Long Covid Crisis

Published August 2, 2024

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Published by: Common Dreams
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By Jessica Corbett

For far too long, millions of Americans suffering from long Covid have had their symptoms dismissed or ignored — by the medical community, by the media, and by Congress. That is unacceptable and has got to change.

The legislation that we have introduced finally recognizes that long Covid is a public health emergency and provides an historic investment into research, development, and education needed to counter the effects of this terrible disease. Congress must act now to ensure treatments are developed and made available for Americans struggling with long Covid. Yes. It is time for a long Covid moonshot.

— U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP)
Continue readingSanders Proposes ‘Moonshot’ Bill to Combat Long Covid Crisis
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Topic: metforminView all posts for the topic: metformin

Common diabetes drug lowers SARS-CoV-2 levels, clinical trial finds

Published May 3, 2024

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Published by: CIDRAP
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By Stephanie Soucheray

Today, researchers from the University of Minnesota published evidence that the common diabetes drug metformin decreases the amount of SARS-CoV-2 in the body and helps reduce the risk of rebound symptoms if given early in the course of non-severe illness.

The study, published in Clinical Infectious Diseases, suggests metformin may also help prevent long COVID.

The researchers tested metformin against a placebo in 999 adults infected with COVID-19. More than 50% of the study enrollees were vaccinated, and treatment took place when the Omicron variant was the most dominant strain in the United States.

Continue readingCommon diabetes drug lowers SARS-CoV-2 levels, clinical trial finds
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