INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE IN THE TREATMENT OF POST COVID SYNDROME AND CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME

Abstract

Integrative medicine includes the use of the best possible treatment and procedures of science, allopathic medicine in combination with the best methods of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and is based on the individual needs of the patient. Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19), the disease caused by the Novel SARS-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), was first described in Wuhan, China in December 2019. SARS-CoV-2 is a large RNA virus of the coronavirus family. Its route of infection mimics other members of the Coronaviridae family, which are responsible for many common upper respiratory infections. Viral infection of mucosal epithelial cells occurs and may be followed by aggressive replication that spreads the virus down the respiratory tree to the upper and lower lungs. Most people who have COVID-19 recover completely within a few weeks, but some people con - tinue to experience symptoms after their initial recovery. These health issues are sometimes referred to as „post-COVID-19 syndrome“ or chronic fatigue syndrome. They last from four weeks to six months and more after people have been diagnosed with COVID-19. Common signs and symptoms include: Fatigue, Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, Cough. Joint pain, Chest pain, concentration or sleep problems, muscle pain or headache, fast or pound - ing heartbeat, loss of smell or taste, Depression or anxiety, Fever, Dizziness when standing.Wors - ened symptoms after physical or mental activities. Integrative medicine is defined as healing-oriented medicine that takes account of the whole person, including all aspects of lifestyle. It emphasizes the therapeutic relationship between practitioner and patient, is informed by evidence, and makes use of all appropriate therapies. Integrative approaches are likely to remain critically important in re-establishing well-being. IM approaches that can be used to combat inflammation, repair lung injury or dysfunction, re - plete nutritional deficiencies, reduce chronic stress, and mitigate fatigue. In addition, IM may empower the patient to aid their recovery.