Long COVID is a syndrome that is currently diagnosed by excluding other conditions. As yet, there is, unfortunately, no evidence-based therapy for Long COVID sufferers. However, certain measures have been shown to provide relief for those affected and support them in their healing process. We have collected these measures and tips, sorted according to symptom groups, and we make them available in the form of Altea Guidebooks both online and as PDFs. The important thing is that each situation has to be analyzed carefully, and each affected person must be supported holistically and individually.
- Application
The tips and exercises in the Altea Guidebooks are intended to support people with Long COVID, as well as the healthcare professionals looking after them in their daily lives. Ideally, a trusted healthcare professional coordinates the diagnosis and therapy – this is usually the family doctor.
The Guidebooks are aimed at affected people and medical professionals.
Affected people themselves will know best which measures can help them. There’s no right or wrong. What feels right for one person might not be right for another. That’s why it’s important to try things out carefully and listen to your body. If you aren’t making any progress, contact your family doctor again and consider being referred to a therapist. The Directory lists various specialists at a glance.
Especially important: the tips and exercises are tried-and-tested and safe. Please begin gently and slowly, and always pay attention to your body, your reactions, and symptoms. That way, you can’t do anything wrong. At worst, an exercise will not help you much, but it can’t harm you.
- Development
We’ve gathered information on symptoms from affected people and grouped them into clusters. There are one or more Guidebooks for each cluster. With the knowledge gathered and the shared experiences of affected people and of experts, our range of Guidebooks is constantly growing – thus becoming a valuable and useful library. We also constantly adapt the tips and therapies to the latest scientific findings. It’s therefore worthwhile checking back every now and then!
Proceed carefully and pay attention to your body.
- Objective
The Altea Guidebooks aim to
- Facilitate and improve the living situation of Long COVID sufferers
- Alleviate symptoms
- Improve prognoses
- Provide clarity with diagnosis, e.g., regarding individual signs of progression
- Give a sense of motivation and optimism
- Sources
The findings and knowledge in the Altea Guidebooks come from experts, specialists and reputable sources:
- Scientific studies (national/international)
- Scientific guidelines (national/international)
- Professional interdisciplinary exchange among complementary therapists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, sports scientists, family doctors and specialists in pulmonology, cardiology, neurology, psychology, etc. in the Altea network
- Online discussion platforms involving various international experts
- Websites of professional groups and organizations on related topics, such as chronic pain or ME/CFS (Myalgic encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), and more
- Altea questionnaires for professionals, affected people and scientists
- Various Facebook groups of Long COVID patients
The Altea Guidebooks are being constantly added to and updated.
The top priorities are safety, health, and well-being.
- Quality and safety
Altea’s interdisciplinary Guidebooks team collects and writes evidence-based and easy-to-use tips, sorted according to topic. Each tip is marked with its date of creation and the corresponding sources.
The team discusses new therapy approaches with experts before publication and checks them with regard to safe application, supplementing the tips with specific texts about application safety.
The top priorities are safety, health, and well-being.
Feel free to tell us what you think and give us feedback on the Guidebooks . What helped you? Where did you experience difficulties? Do you have your own tips for people affected by Long COVID? Many thanks from the Guidebooks team for your input.
