Inside Health – Where are we at with long Covid? – BBC Sounds

by | Sep 19, 2026 | Health

Inside Health - Where are we at with long Covid? - BBC Sounds

More than six years into the Covid pandemic, millions of people continue to experience long Covid symptoms despite broader societal recovery. Researchers have identified potential therapeutic approaches that may offer limited benefits to affected individuals.

A clinical trial conducted by University College London and University College London Hospitals examined the effects of over-the-counter antihistamines combined with colchicine, a prescription anti-inflammatory medication. The study found that this combination produced a small reduction in fatigue for long Covid patients. However, researchers stress that these findings represent a modest improvement rather than a definitive treatment solution.

Professor Danny Altmann, an immunologist at Imperial College London, has been involved in discussions around the new research and has highlighted ongoing challenges in understanding the condition. Multiple upcoming studies are in development that may help clinicians and researchers develop a more comprehensive understanding of long Covid and its mechanisms.

Beyond long Covid research, public health initiatives have also addressed accessibility concerns for other patient populations. Around one in 335 people in the United Kingdom are currently living with a stoma, according to available data. A significant proportion of these individuals report that inadequate toilet facilities negatively impact their quality of life. Following a campaign initiative that began in Bristol, the retailer B&Q has retrofitted its disabled toilet facilities across stores to accommodate the needs of stoma patients, representing a practical accommodation effort.

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