By now, millions understand that COVID-19 may not be a short-term illness. For some, symptoms linger long after initial recovery, creating what's known as long-haul COVID. Persistent fatigue, respiratory issues and chronic inflammation are just a few of the ongoing battles people face. Fortunately, hope and healing are possible through integrative medical protocols that address the root causes of this prolonged condition.

According to groundbreaking insights from The Center for Natural and Integrative Medicine in Orlando, the culprits behind persistent COVID symptoms often include residual spike proteins and the reactivation of hidden infections such as Epstein Barr Virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) and Lyme disease. These reactivated infections, along with hormonal imbalances, exposure to toxins like mold and heavy metals and genetic factors, contribute significantly to the body's chronic inflammatory response.

Evaluating the Root Cause

The holistic approach to long-haul COVID begins with a comprehensive evaluation. Patients undergo a thorough medical history, physical examination and extensive lab testing to pinpoint hidden infections, immune system health and metabolic status. Specialized at-home tests further assess hormonal imbalances, mold and heavy metal toxicities, inflammation and food sensitivities, ensuring personalized and precise treatment strategies.

Supportive Treatments

At the heart of treatment lies advanced intravenous (IV) therapy. Powerful antioxidants like glutathione are administered to detoxify the body and reduce oxidative stress, while high-dose vitamin C infusions revitalize cellular health and boost the immune system. Additionally, ozone therapy—where ozone-infused blood is reintroduced to the body—stimulates recovery at a cellular level, offering relief from inflammation and boosting overall resilience.

Adjunctive treatments provide further support, tailored uniquely to each patient’s needs. Topical or intravenous glutathione treatments bolster respiratory health and customized antimicrobial therapies—ranging from herbal supplements to prescription medications—address viral and bacterial challenges directly. Supplements designed specifically to enhance mitochondrial function and cellular energy production are also key components of the integrative treatment plan.

Ongoing Care

Lifestyle and nutrition form the foundation of lasting recovery. Patients benefit immensely from an anti-inflammatory diet rich in antioxidants, healthy fats and ample protein. Gentle, regular movement tailored to each person's capacity, along with stress management techniques including meditation, breathwork, mindfulness practices and brain retraining programs, are integral to this holistic approach. Environmental toxins are diligently identified and removed, creating a cleaner, healthier space for recovery.

The journey doesn't stop there. Ongoing evaluations every six to eight weeks ensure treatments remain effective, allowing adjustments as needed. Recovery can take anywhere from three to fifteen months depending on the severity of the condition, but sustained attention leads to meaningful progress and renewed health.

The Center for Natural and Integrative Medicine’s team of highly skilled practitioners—Dr. Kirti Kalidas, Dr. Amar Kalidas and Dr. Kushang Shah—are committed to treating each patient as a whole individual, addressing the interconnected physical, emotional and environmental factors behind chronic illnesses. Their combined expertise in internal medicine, naturopathy, functional medicine and innovative ozone therapies ensures comprehensive and compassionate care.

Long-haul COVID patients no longer need to face ongoing symptoms alone or forever. Through this integrative approach, balance can be restored, resilience strengthened and the path to wellness rediscovered.

The Center for Natural and Integrative Medicine, 6651 Vineland Rd., Ste. 150, Orlando, Florida. 407-355-9246. DrKalidas.com.

Kirti Kalidas, M.D., N.D., is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and a Licensed Naturopathic Physician. He earned his medical degree in South Africa and completed residency at Washington, D.C., Georgetown. Further study at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine has made him one of the few physicians in the country to hold dual doctorate degrees, positioning him to integrate both allopathic and naturopathic disciplines. Dr. Kirti Kalidas believes that health and disease come from a complex interaction of physical, emotional, dietary, genetic, environmental, lifestyle and other factors. He prefers safe, effective, non-invasive and supportive therapies to treat a patient as a whole person to restore natural balance. 

Amar Kalidas, D.O., earned his medical degree at Nova Southeastern University and completed residency training in Family Practice at Florida Hospital in Orlando. He is a Board-Certified Osteopathic Family Physician, a Certified Practitioner with The Institute for Functional Medicine and a member of the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society and American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. Dr. Amar Kalidas looks at each patient as a whole person and believes it is the doctor’s job to find the root cause of illness and remove obstacles, so the patient’s body can heal itself.

Kushang Shah, M.D., is a Board-Certified Internal Medicine physician with a subspecialty in Functional Medicine. He earned his medical degree at The Chicago Medical School, followed by an Internal Medicine residency at Stony Brook University Hospital and advanced Functional Medicine training from the Institute for Functional Medicine. He also has certifications in Ozone and Prolozone Therapy. Dr. Kushang Shah offers innovative, personalized treatments and is passionate about providing compassionate care and addressing the root causes of chronic diseases rather than just treating symptoms.

Sara King DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Board Certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. She obtained her bachelor’s in nursing from Belmont University in Nashville and then a Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Central Florida. She is also a certified Integrative Health Practitioner, and participates in ongoing education with the Institute for Functional Medicine and the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. She is dedicated to bridging the gap between conventional and integrative healthcare, addressing the underlying root causes of illness while promoting disease prevention and wellness optimization so that her patients can regain and maintain health.