Hong Kong experienced the fifth COVID-19 pandemic wave dominated by infection with the Omicron BA2.2 variant of SARS-CoV-2 beginning in early 2022. In response to the upsurge in confirmed cases since the Omicron outbreak, the Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) established the HKBU Telemedicine Chinese Medicine Centre (HKBU-TCMC) in February 2022. Between 14 March to 6 May 2022, the HKBU-TCMC provided free consultations and treatments to 12950 non-hospitalized individuals who were infected with SARS-CoV-2. Our preliminary survey of the prevalence of long COVID among these 12950 subjects from disease onset until 9 months’ follow-up found that 57% (3855/6814) of responders suffered from post-COVID-19 conditions. Therefore, effective and safe therapeutics are urgently needed to manage long COVID.
We conducted a multicenter observational study involving 150 participants who had COVID-19 and discharged from Hong Kong public hospitals. The findings indicated that participants’ clinical symptoms and lung functions had been significantly improved after Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) treatment. Currently, the “Everbright Care • Long COVID Chinese Medicine Rehabilitation Programme” is underway in the Chinese medicine clinics of HKBU. The programme offers free consultation service and Chinese medicine treatment to aid individuals experiencing long COVID. Moreover, we are conducting a clinical trial which aims to examine the efficacy and safety of a Chinese herbal medicine formula (Shenlingcao oral solution) for treating long COVID-associated fatigue, and the recruitment is ongoing.
As part of the healthcare system in Hong Kong, CHM has played a vital role in the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of COVID-19. It suggests that CHM should be included in health policies and strategies, and should be recommended to the public.
