Long Covid: Watch out for these dangerous miracle cures sold online

PTI report. While health researchers admit there are few evidence-based treatments for long Covid, in the face of such uncertainty, people with debilitating symptoms can be tempted by unproven options such as “blood washing", stem cell infusions and ozone treatments, the report said, while adding that some despairing people with long Covid say they are willing to try any therapy if there’s hope it improves their health.

According to the report, long Covid survivors can suffer debilitating health problems that make it difficult to return to work or activities they once enjoyed and it can include symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, chronic pain, depression and anxiety.

They have had to fight to receive medical attention or recognition of their symptoms, the report said. The PTI report said that online discussion forums such as Reddit, as well as networks on Facebook and Twitter, have made a major difference to the long Covid community, adding that, these peer networks offer emotional support and share important information about symptoms and treatments.

However, there are pitfalls and potential dangers of this kind of online networking and crowdsourced medicine. The PTI report noted that some individuals or groups are exploiting people’s desperation, using long Covid support networks to attempt to profit from offering treatment plans or alternative therapies such as vitamin supplements and ozone treatment.