Long Covid

Frequently asked questions

Long COVID: what is it, and how is it diagnosed?

Long COVID, also called post-COVID-19 condition, refers to symptoms that continue or develop after the initial infection and cannot be explained by another diagnosis. There is currently no single test that confirms it. Diagnosis is based on medical history, symptom patterns, functional impact, appropriate investigations, and the exclusion of other cardiac, respiratory, neurological, endocrine, or autoimmune causes.

Is apheresis proven to treat Long COVID?

Not at present. Apheresis has a biological rationale and has shown promising results in some early and observational studies, but controlled evidence remains limited and mixed. At Elysium, it is not presented as a universal cure. It may be considered only for carefully selected patients when diagnostics identify a clear clinical target, with risks, uncertainty, and response monitored transparently.

How is a Long COVID programme personalised?

Long COVID can affect several systems, including immune regulation, circulation, autonomic function, energy production, sleep, and cognition. Every programme therefore begins with a detailed consultation and diagnostics. The plan may combine pacing and stabilisation, correction of deficiencies, oxygenation or recovery support, and selected medical interventions where clinically appropriate. Treatment is adjusted according to symptoms, biomarkers, tolerance, and progress over time.

Energy Production & Post-Exertional Symptoms

Persistent fatigue is not always ordinary tiredness. Some patients experience a delayed worsening of symptoms after relatively minor physical, cognitive or emotional activity.

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Our assessment considers:

baseline energy and functional capacity
post-exertional symptom exacerbation
mitochondrial and metabolic markers
sleep quality and recovery
exercise tolerance where clinically appropriate

Immune Dysregulation & Inflammation

Research suggests that Long COVID may involve persistent immune activation, autoimmunity, altered cellular immunity or reactivation of latent infections in certain patient subgroups. These mechanisms are not present in every patient and must be assessed individually.

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Our diagnostic review may examine:

inflammatory markers
immune-cell profiles
relevant autoantibodies
previous infection history
latent viral reactivation where clinically indicated
response patterns following the initial infection

Circulation & Endothelial Function

The endothelium is the cellular lining of the blood vessels. Several studies have found evidence of persistent endothelial and microcirculatory dysfunction in some people with post-COVID symptoms. This may contribute to impaired blood flow, exercise intolerance and cardiovascular symptoms.

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Assessment may include:

vascular and endothelial markers
coagulation-related measurements
blood-pressure and heart-rate response
microcirculatory function
cardiovascular risk factors

Autonomic & Cardiovascular Stability

Some patients experience dizziness, palpitations, temperature sensitivity, exercise intolerance or symptoms that worsen when standing.

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Our evaluation may include:

resting and standing heart rate
blood-pressure response
rhythm assessment
autonomic symptom review
hydration and electrolyte status
referral for specialist cardiovascular evaluation where required

Cognitive & Neurological Function

Brain fog, impaired concentration, headache, altered sleep and sensory symptoms are frequently reported in Long COVID.

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The evaluation may consider:

cognitive performance
attention and processing speed
sleep quality
neurological symptoms
neuroinflammatory and immune contributors
nutritional or metabolic deficiencies

A Personalised Treatment Approach

There is no single treatment for Long COVID. At Elysium, each programme is built around your symptoms, diagnostics and response to care. The approach may include:

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Stabilisation

Support for energy management, sleep, hydration, nutritional deficiencies and symptom control.

Oxygenation and Recovery Support

Where appropriate, therapies such as hyperbaric oxygen, IHHT or IV infusions may support circulation, oxygen delivery and recovery capacity.

Immune and Inflammatory Support

Targeted interventions may be considered when testing identifies relevant immune or inflammatory patterns.

Apheresis⁺

Apheresis may be considered for carefully selected patients, but it is not a proven or universal Long COVID treatment. Suitability requires medical assessment, a clear clinical target and ongoing monitoring.

Long COVID Care