New publication from SPRINT Project PhD student Kirsty Brown

How are people with long COVID managing their symptoms?

Congratulations to SPRINT Project PhD student Kirsty Brown, who is co-author on a newly published paper in BMC Public Health examining how people with long COVID manage their symptoms using over-the-counter medicines, supplements, dietary changes, and other non-prescribed therapies.

Drawing on survey responses from 193 people living with long COVID in the UK, the study provides new insights into the diverse strategies people use to manage symptoms, the information sources that influence their decisions, and the personal costs involved.

Why does this matter?

Long COVID continues to affect millions of people worldwide, yet there are currently no definitive treatments available for many symptoms. In this context, people often turn to self-management approaches to help cope with fatigue, pain, cognitive difficulties, sleep problems, and other ongoing challenges.

Although self-management can provide a sense of control, little has been known about the wide range of medicines, supplements, therapies, and lifestyle changes people are actually using to manage long COVID.

What did the study find?

People with long COVID are using a wide range of medicines, supplements, dietary changes, and alternative therapies to manage ongoing symptoms such as fatigue, pain, and brain fog. Many reported relying on information from online communities and social media, often in the absence of effective treatments or clear guidance. The findings highlight both the resourcefulness of people living with long COVID and the need for better evidence-based information and support.

Kirsty's role in the study

Kirsty is a PhD researcher within the SPRINT Project who previously worked as a Research Associate on the Therapies for Long COVID (TLC) Project. For this study, Kirsty was given the opportunity to contribute to the survey design and manuscript preparation, and also wrote a correspondence piece published in The Lance (https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(21)02798-7/fulltext) to highlight the need for this research. 

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To cite this study: Guan, N., Turner, G., Hotham, R. et al. Self-management of long COVID symptoms with over-the-counter medicines and other non-prescribed therapies: a cross-sectional survey. BMC Public Health (2026). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-026-28017-5