Understanding Long COVID
More than 65 million people worldwide struggle from Long COVID, which is characterized by agonizing symptoms such as heart palpitations, anxiety, extreme exhaustion, dizziness, and breathing difficulties. With 155 Americans dying every day from conditions associated with COVID-19, this is now being considered a serious public health issue.
An article from Forbes has emphasized the significance of innovative vaccines, particularly those built on Nobel Prize-winning mRNA technology, in the ongoing struggle against this virus. These immunizations offer renewed hope for reducing the pandemic's effects as winter approaches and cases of Covid-19, the flu, and RSV infections rise.
However, in addition to the promising developments in the field of vaccines, another ray of hope emerges. Light therapy has shown potential in addressing Long COVID, offering a multifaceted approach to tackling this persistent health issue.
The Potential of Light Therapy in Long COVID
In a 2023 study, it investigates the effectiveness of photobiomodulation (PBM), also known as light therapy, in relieving symptoms associated with Long COVID, with a focus on addressing the well-known 'brain fog' and overall fatigue.
The study was conducted with 14 individuals with Long COVID symptoms. Randomly, they were divided into two groups. To promote brain health, one group utilized the transcranial photobiomodulation device from Neuronic, the Neuradiant 1070. The other group made use of the NovoTHOR Whole Body Light, which blankets the body in red and near-infrared LED light.
For four weeks, Quantitative Electroencephalogram (qEEG) was used to measure brain activity, and conventional tests were used to assess participant brain function, to determine how well it functioned.
The results were astonishing. Every participant said their thinking and memory got better, with some stating it got even better than before they got sick. The study showed that their thinking skills, ability to make decisions, and how fast they thought all improved a lot. They also felt better about themselves and their progress.
Conclusion
As we continue to explore innovative approaches, these findings offer a ray of hope to millions of individuals worldwide who have long suffered the burdens of this condition. The fusion of vaccines and innovative therapies like photobiomodulation (PBM) gives us renewed confidence in our ability to fight the long-lasting effects of COVID-19, as we look forward to a healthier and brighter future.
References
1. Binnicker, M. Nearly 1 In 5 U.S. Adults With Covid Develop Long Covid, Says CDC. Updated Vaccines May Help. Available Online https://www.forbes.com/sites/matthewbinnicker/2023/09/13/nearly-1-in-5-us-adults-get-long-covid-says-cdc-updated-vaccines-may-help/?sh=6058503158d8
2. Delaney, M. 2023. 65 Million People Suffer From Long Covid. Our Experts Say New Vaccines Are The Best Defense. Available Online https://www.forbes.com/sites/melissadelaney/2023/10/20/covid-19-vaccines/?sh=2fcc8be64692
3. Pagan, C.M. 2021. What Is Red Light Therapy? Available Online https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/red-light-therapy
4. Bowen, R., Arany, P. R. 2023. Use of either transcranial or whole-body photobiomodulation treatments improves COVID-19 brain fog. Available Online https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jbio.202200391