VALHALLA, N.Y. (WCBS 880) — More is being learned about the mysteries of so-called "COVID long-haulers" and the potential benefits of a vitamin.
According to Westchester Medical Center's Post-COVID Recovery Program, about 10% of coronavirus patients suffer lingering effects. Typically, they are younger people, with an average age of 47, who initially did not have severe symptoms.
"There is something unique about the coronavirus that throws off the antibody response, so you tend to make these auto-antibodies that attack your own cells, so they're slightly off and it somehow modulates people's immune system," said Dr. Gary Rogg.
Chronic problems include fatigue, labored breathing, brain fog and body aches.
Christine Clementz, from Somers, got sick in November. She's feeling some relief now after receiving B12.
"B12 which, I don't know, it almost felt like a miracle to me afterwards. It improved my symptoms a lot," Clementz said. "The loss of taste of smell is intermittent, I still have brain fog, the brain fog seems to stick around a little bit more than anything else, but the lethargy is a big one for me and sometimes the joint pain. I have joint pain and muscle soreness."
Rogg theorizes B12 might help reset the immune system after it's been knocked for a loop.
"When the body is stressed, when nerves are injured, when muscles are injured, their requirements go up," Rogg said, adding that more study is needed about B12.
There is also anecdotal evidence that the vaccine might help alleviate symptoms, but more study is needed.
"This is only anecdotal evidence," Rogg stressed. "There is absolutely no study behind, but there are these anecdotal reports of people receiving the vaccine who then suddenly feel better."
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