Ina Stephens, MD, RYT, C-IAYT, FAAP
Professor of Pediatrics
University in Virginia Medical Center
Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
Integrative Therapies for COVID-19 “Long Haulers”
Over the past year there have been growing concerns regarding the long-term impacts of COVID-19 on children. Many providers are noting pediatric patients still struggling with symptoms months after the initial infection. There have been articles and reports of the emergence of downstream complications that mimic what has been seen in adult “long haulers”… those with new or persisting problems months later. The majority of individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 develop mild-to-moderate COVID-19, however, an unanticipated sequela of COVID-19 is the high number of patients suffering from prolonged, diverse symptoms, which may include fatigue, mental fog, depression, widespread pain, respiratory symptoms, and symptoms of autonomic dysfunction. This Covid "long hauler syndrome”, may last for months after initial illness. Multi-disciplinary clinics have been established, both in the adult and pediatric setting, in an attempt to combat these issues. Integrative medicine, along with appropriate conventional therapies, can provide a holistic, strategic approach to treating patients with diverse symptoms and restore their health and well-being.
SIG Speaker: Ina Stephens, MD, RYT, C-IAYT, FAAP – University in Virginia Medical Center