"It could be a God-send": University trials long Covid medication
The news has been welcomed by people in the South West who have suffered with the condition
A trial into anti-viral medication to treat long Covid has been launched by the University of Derby.
Scientists are investigating whether an anti-viral medication commonly used to treat people with the coronavirus could also be effective in treating symptoms of long Covid.
The news has been welcomed by people in the South West who have suffered with the condition.
"To now be told that long Covid is a recognised condition and they've done the research into medication must be an absolute God-send," said Sam Munslow, from Weston super Mare, who wrote a book about her experience with the condition.
"I remember when I was first asked if I might have long Covid, I was told it wasn't a thing because it wasn't understood. I felt like I was lazy.
"Decades ago when asthma wasn't known to be a thing and people were told they were weak-chested and they couldn't take part in sports. When they discovered inhalers, suddenly these people could take part and it was a massive relief for them.
"It will be the same for people with long Covid."
People affected by the condition experience extreme fatigue, breathlessness, palpitations, and brain fog.
In many cases these symptoms are debilitating, interfering with work, family life and socialising.
Estimates show that around 2 million people in the UK still have the condition - almost a quarter of whom have had their symptoms for more than two years.
There is currently no cure for the disease but it's hoped this anti-viral medication will alleviate symptoms and eventually become available on the NHS.