Why You Don't Need to Wait for a Pharmaceutical Solution

If you're living with Long COVID, you may find yourself hoping for a breakthrough pharmaceutical treatment. And while scientific progress is being made, waiting for an outside cure could mean years—if not decades—of struggling. The reality is that COVID-19 affects people in different ways, but looking at the root causes can narrow our focus and point to tools and interventions to manage symptoms. There are steps you can take today to support your recovery.

Pharmaceutical Solutions Time to Develop—A Lot of Time

New treatments go through a long and complex process of development, testing, and approval. Even after a potential breakthrough, clinical trials take years, and widespread access to treatment takes even longer. Those with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) have been waiting for over 20 years, and while research has evolved, effective treatments remain elusive.

It’s wonderful that scientists and the medical community are working hard on solutions to help millions of people to manage their symptoms and support recovery from post-infection conditions and we all hope for fast breakthroughs. But while we wait, let's do what’s possible to do already. 

Looking Beyond Pharmaceuticals and Symptom-Based Treatments

There are no pharmaceutical cures for Long COVID. There are no pharmaceutical treatments for many Long COVID and post-infection symptoms. Treating symptoms individually can provide some  short-term relief, but can also cause other side effects that lead to new symptoms. Instead of looking at symptoms, the real progress lies in looking at systems.. This lets us understand the drivers of symptoms and tap into research that helps us understand how to address them. Existing evidence helps us understand the impact of underlying mechanisms like immune system dysregulation, viral persistence, and metabolic dysfunction. These findings not only inform potential pharmaceutical treatments but, critically, point the way to effective non-pharmaceutical strategies. Why not use these insights to manage symptoms now and take action and control what you can control?

Don’t Wait, Control What You Can Control Today

We know that people with Long COVID often have one or more of the following. We also know there are practical steps you can take now to reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life. The actions go beyond “healthy lifestyle”; they involve specific and targeted steps and actions.:

• Autoimmunity – The immune system can become overactive or misdirected after an infection, leading to symptoms that mimic autoimmune diseases. Reducing immune system overactivation through diet, lifestyle changes, and stress management can help. Specific actions include anti-inflammatory nutrition, gut health support, and nervous system regulation, which all play a role in calming autoimmune responses. Addressing triggers such as food sensitivities, chronic stress, and environmental toxins can further help regulate immune function.
• Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) – Managing histamine responses with dietary and environmental changes can reduce flares. Additionally, regulating the nervous system can lower histamine production from our own bodies and elevate the production of histamine-degrading enzymes. A healthy microbiome is also crucial for enzyme production.
• Microclots & Blood Abnormalities – Persistent microclots have been identified in many Long COVID patients, potentially restricting oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues. Supporting circulation through movement, hydration, and clot-targeting approaches such as gentle exercise, heat therapy, and anti-inflammatory nutrition may help. Additionally, oxidative stress management and endothelial support through supplements like omega-3s and flavonoids may aid recovery.
• General Inflammation & Immune Disruption – Anti-inflammatory foods, gentle movement, and stress reduction can make a difference. Supporting the immune system by reducing unnecessary immune activation allows it to focus on addressing ongoing inflammation caused by the infection, including reactivated viruses.
• Lingering Viral Reactivations (EBV, Herpes, etc.) – Many people with Long COVID experience reactivation of dormant viruses, such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and herpes viruses. Supporting immune health through adequate sleep, stress management, nutrition, and mitochondrial support can help keep these viruses in check. Addressing underlying inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune dysfunction may help bring these viruses back to a dormant state where they no longer trigger symptoms.
• Microbiome Disruptions – Gut health plays a major role in immune balance, energy levels, brain functions, nervous system regulation, neurotransmitters, and hormonal balance. Strategies such as increasing fiber intake, consuming probiotic and prebiotic-rich foods, and reducing gut irritants can support a healthy microbiome. A well-functioning gut can help regulate immune responses and reduce systemic inflammation.
• Metabolic Dysfunction – Blood sugar balance and mitochondrial support can influence energy levels. Diet, stress management, and appropriate movement play a big role in metabolic health and flexibility. Stabilizing blood sugar, optimizing mitochondrial function, and addressing nutrient deficiencies can contribute to sustained energy levels and reduced fatigue.
• Dysautonomia – Long COVID has been linked to autonomic nervous system dysfunction, leading to symptoms like dizziness, heart rate irregularities, and temperature dysregulation. Nervous system regulation strategies such as vagus nerve stimulation, hydration with electrolytes, paced breathing exercises, and gentle movement can help improve symptoms. Supporting circulation and stabilizing blood pressure through positional awareness (e.g., compression garments, slow position changes) can also provide relief.

Focus on What's in Your Control

Waiting for a medical breakthrough should not be the only plan. The best path forward is to focus on what you can do now—supporting your body, reducing inflammation, and addressing risk factors. Research is important, and new pharmaceutical discoveries may help, but you don’t have to put your life on hold in the meantime.

At ThriveNinety, we focus on practical, evidence-based strategies to help you feel better today. You don’t have to wait to start improving your health. Explore our Resources or book a free call.

Warmly,
Katie & Andrea