Could the Omicron variant be a gift from Mother Nature? This could very well be the case. After all, it’s looking more and more like a live attenuated vaccine with an exceptionally efficient supply and distribution system. While this imminent surge will break many SARS-CoV-2 new cases records, the surge could wane by Feb. However, dangers lurk around the corner as such rapid community transmission can lead to pervasive infections. Already, reports of more pediatric vaccinations cover the news. Cases rise so fast that none of the stat-tracking sites are even close to keeping up since the spread is unprecedented. However, judging by the low hospitalizations in South Africa, and as now confirmed by the UK, it’s clear that Omicron is less severe. The Delta variant still circulates and, undoubtedly, this pathogen will cause some lingering hospitalizations and death for the next few weeks. Additionally, even though Omicron is much less severe, it will still hit those most vulnerable, i.e., frail, elderly, and immunocompromised. This could help children on the lower socio-economic ladder known to have more health problems associated with the social determinants of health. But the hope is that most people will be impacted much less than previous variants and their vaccine and/or recovered immunity will help protect them. However, with the massive number of cases in such a short time span, the total numbers may still increase in January and that could lead to worsening conditions.
On another positive note, a brilliant TrialSite community member from Orange County, California, shared a case-series-based study investing Long COVID with a variety of goals and assumptions—among others—that Long Covid is the result of persistent microthrombosis seen in COVID-19. They did a great job documenting platelet activated thrombosis in a diverse cohort of COVID-19 patients. They spanned all levels of severity. They correlated Long COVID and this condition with hypertension and dyslipidemia as risk factors. They also found a genetic trait that increased the risks. That study can be reviewed here.
The study team treated 24 patients with Long Covid with dual antiplatelet therapy (Plavix/Aspirin) plus a Direct Oral Anti-Coagulant DOAC (Eliquis). They discovered that all the Long COVID patients’ symptoms resolved during treatment. They also followed labs on these patients and confirmed that their microthrombosis resolved. They provide some excellent mechanism of action information and diagrams about how the microthrombosis and activated platelets stimulate the immune system and cause inflammation.
Some members of the community suggest consulting their physician to learn more about the potential for OTC treatments addressing Long COVID—low dose aspirin and a Nattokinase/Serrapeptase supplement. One study this year investigated Serrapeptase as a possible useful adjuvant for the management of COVID-19. TrialSite will investigate other studies on this topic.