Sauna Therapy for Long Covid
Trial Summary
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial may require you to stop taking certain medications if they affect your body's ability to regulate heat and cannot be paused safely. This will be determined by a clinician before you start the sauna therapy.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Whole Body Hyperthermia for Long Covid?
Whole Body Hyperthermia (WBH) has shown positive effects in other conditions, such as improving quality of life and cardiac function in chronic heart failure patients, and reducing AIDS-related events in HIV patients. These findings suggest that WBH might help improve symptoms in Long Covid patients by enhancing overall health and function.12345
How does sauna therapy differ from other treatments for Long Covid?
Sauna therapy, specifically whole body hyperthermia, is unique because it involves raising the body's core temperature to improve health, which is different from typical drug-based treatments. This method has been used for other conditions like heart failure and chronic fatigue, suggesting it may help improve symptoms by enhancing circulation and reducing inflammation.13467
What is the purpose of this trial?
Research suggests that Whole Body Hyperthermia in a sauna-like environment can reduce symptoms related to post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC), or Long Covid. The investigators aim to study the feasibility and treatment effect of this procedure for patients experiencing Long Covid symptoms.
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for adults aged 18-65 who've had COVID-19 and suffer from Long Covid fatigue. They must be able to lie on their back for sauna sessions, use birth control if applicable, and not have any serious unstable medical conditions or certain mental health disorders.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants undergo whole body hyperthermia (WBH) treatment in a sauna-like environment to study its effects on Long Covid symptoms
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, with assessments at 4 and 6 weeks
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Whole Body Hyperthermia
Whole Body Hyperthermia is already approved in European Union, United States, Switzerland for the following indications:
- Depression
- Other conditions
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Depression
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Massachusetts General Hospital
Lead Sponsor
University of California, San Francisco
Collaborator