This well-known remedy proven to stop Long COVID in its tracks
Photo: Which drug prevents Long COVID (Freepik)
A widely used and inexpensive medication may help prevent Long COVID, a condition affecting a significant number of people after recovering from COVID-19.
Medical School reveals which drug this is.
Which drug can help with Long COVID
New scientific data suggest that metformin can significantly reduce the likelihood of prolonged symptoms.
Metformin is one of the best-known drugs for type 2 diabetes and has been used for over 60 years. Around 200 million people worldwide take it daily.
In a study published in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases, researchers at the University of Minnesota analyzed results from multiple trials involving adult COVID-19 patients.
The results were promising: on average, one case of Long COVID was prevented for every 50 people treated with metformin for 14 days during or shortly after infection.
Experts believe the drug interferes with viral replication and has anti-inflammatory properties, helping the immune system respond more effectively to the infection.
Another advantage is its accessibility.
Are there risks with this drug?
Metformin is generally well-tolerated, though it can sometimes cause digestive side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, or abdominal discomfort.
It is still unknown whether the drug can be used to prevent Long COVID in children.
Despite optimistic results, doctors emphasize that any medication should be taken only under professional guidance. Metformin can be used alone or alongside other treatments, but requires medical supervision.
What is Long COVID and why is it dangerous?
Researchers estimate that roughly one in four people may experience symptoms lasting more than three months after COVID-19. These can include severe fatigue, difficulty concentrating, cough, and chest pain.
This is why scientists are actively searching for ways to prevent the condition.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
