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RTHM connects you with a digital care team specializing in Long COVID and ME/CFS that provides access to a range of therapies based on the latest research.
Jun 30 9 tweets 3 min read
A new study suggests that exercise doesn’t clear microclots in people with Long COVID—it just fragments them into smaller ones. These smaller clots are linked to increased inflammation and impaired oxygen transport, which may help explain post-exertional malaise (PEM) and post-exertional symptom exacerbation (PESE)—a worsening of symptoms after even mild physical or mental effort.

Researchers observed these microclot and inflammatory changes even after submaximal exertion, highlighting the need for caution when recommending exercise-based therapies.

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🔗 DOI: doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.…

#LongCOVID #ChronicFatigue #pwLC #PostCOVID #rthm_health #LongCOVIDResearch #PESE #PEM #IACC #COVID19 #MicroclotsExercise Increases Microclots In Long COVID.    (Arrow pointing right) Picture of someone exhausted on an exercise bike Description of the Study  46 people living with Long COVID with a low risk of experiencing post-exertional malaise (PEM) completed two submaximal cardiopulmonary exercise tests (CPET), separated by 24 hours.  They had blood drawn before starting the exercise test (CPET) and after, to look for microclots and cytokines.
Jun 9 8 tweets 2 min read
A new study from New Zealand found that over one-third of university students experienced measurable cognitive deficits—especially in executive function—up to 17 months after COVID-19 infection.

Even in a young, healthy population, the impacts on brain function were objectively detectable using neuropsych testing and brain oxygenation data.

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🔗 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.12.002

#LongCOVID #ChronicFatigue #PostCOVID #rthm_health #LongCOVIDResearch #CognitiveDysfunction #BrainFog #IACC #COVID19New Study:  37% of undergrads experienced cognitive impairment up to 17 months after COVID-19 infection  (Arrow pointing right) young person sleeping on pile of books Key Findings:  The study investigated whether past COVID-19 infections influence cognitive performance in undergrads from University of Otago (New Zealand) by measuring neuropsychological performance, and cerebral haemodynamics (brain blood flow and oxygenation) using NIRS.     40% of participants in the COVID group reported brain fog due to COVID-19 (subjective cognitive impairment).   37% of participants in the COVID group exhibited objective cognitive impairment in at least 1 cognitive task (mainly related to executive functions).   NIRS worn during cognitive testing found differences in...
May 14 6 tweets 2 min read
New research shows SARS-CoV-2 infection particles can persist in semen for up to 8 months after infection, raising critical questions about viral reservoirs and potential sexual transmission. The virus remained detectable in over half the study participants and was confirmed as infectious through cell culture. While decreased sperm quality showed signs of recovery by 6 months, the implications of viral persistence in the male genital tract remain under investigation.

This study adds to growing evidence that the male reproductive system may serve as an immune privileged site for virus reservoirs, similar to findings in Post-Ebola Syndrome.

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#LongCOVID #ChronicFatigue #PostCOVID #rthm_health #LongCOVIDResearch #IACC #ViralPersistence #COVID19New Study:  “SARS-CoV-2 infectious viral particles detected in semen for up to 8 months after infection.”    (Arrow pointing right) with an image of a man sitting on a bed looking down with his hands clasped at his thighs   Key Findings:  SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in the semen of 55% (21/38) of the patients, with a higher detection rate in the moderate (acute severity) group (91%).  Viral persistence was confirmed through Vero cell culture in 47% (17/38) patients, with infectious viral particles detected for up to 8 months after infection.    (Arrow pointing right) Small Citation
Apr 24 7 tweets 2 min read
Even Olympic athletes aren’t bouncing back from COVID.

A new study out of Germany found that nearly 40% of elite athletes across several sports had reduced performance lasting >4 months after acute COVID-19. This was despite the majority having mild acute infections and none of the athletes having pre-existing health conditions.

Fatigue, shortness of breath, and pain were common, persisting symptoms, indicating a need to change current return-to-play protocols for athletes.
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#LongCOVID #ChronicFatigue #PostCOVID #rthm_health #LongCOVIDResearch #IACC #OlympicGames #OlympicsNew Study:  40% of Olympians experienced reduced sports performance for at least 4 months after COVID infection.    (Arrow pointing right) Picture of an olympian out of breath? In a study aimed to describe the impact of SARS-CoV‑2 infection on sports performance in elite athletes, researchers found the following:  37% reported symptoms lasting > 4 weeks  25% had symptoms persisting for > 8 weeks  20% were still symptomatic 16 weeks after initial infection.
Jan 30 12 tweets 4 min read
We’re excited to announce RTHM Direct is now offering Ivabradine. We’ve seen this medication make a significant difference for patients with #LongCovid, #POTS, & #MECFS — and are excited to expand its access. Here’s everything you need to know 👇🧵 What Is Ivabradine?

It is an FDA-approved medication designed to reduce heart rate without affecting blood pressure that works by slowing the activity of the “pacemaker cells” in the heart. It specifically reduces heart rate without lowering blood pressure.
Dec 13, 2024 6 tweets 2 min read
Is #LongCovid a national security issue?

The CHARM 2.0 study conducted reveals striking findings about Long COVID’s impact on even the fittest among us. Among 899 young, healthy Marines, nearly 25% developed Long COVID, with lasting effects on productivity, physical fitness, and overall performance—despite most having mild initial infections.
Swipe to learn more about this pivotal study and why Long COVID must remain a public health priority.

Find the full study here: thelancet.com/journals/lanam…

#LongCOVID #COVID19 #pwLC #pwME #MECFS #IACC #StaySafe #rthm_healthA new study finds 1 in 4 US Marines Infected with COVID Have Long COVID a Year Later Findings:   The study enrolled 899 otherwise young, healthy US Marine participants, and 88.8% had a SARS-CoV-2 infection.   Almost a quarter (24.7%) of the infected individuals developed Long COVID, and had significantly decreased physical fitness test scores up to approximately one year post-infection.  https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanam/article/PIIS2667-193X(24)00236-9/fulltext