What’s happening this week, December 12

Research

• A study from China found that a new experimental drug that alters the microbiome may help relieve some symptoms of Long Covid. Twice-daily doses of SIM01 (a combination of pre- and probiotics) may help modify immune responses in pwLC. The main symptoms it helped alleviate were fatigue, cognitive issues, gastrointestinal upset, and general unwellness. The study adds more clues to the importance of the microbiome in Long Covid; but this drug is likely not a silver bullet as it did not greatly improve quality of life. Read The Lancet Infectious Diseases study here.

• A team of researchers from Italy analyzed 25 observational studies from Africa (half from Egypt) this year and found that nearly 50% of people infected with Covid infections have lingering symptoms. The study’s authors wrote, “These findings highlight the pressing need for immediate policy implementation and reallocation of resources to address this severely underestimated public health issue.” Read the Scientific Reports analysis here.

• New data from the CDC estimate that 1.3% of Americans had ME in 2021-2022, adding up to about 3.3 million people. MEAction says the number is only the tip of the iceberg, and the true count may be well over 9 million. The survey found ME affects all ages, sexes, and racial and ethnic groups and costs the U.S. economy about $18–$51 billion annually. Even this vast undercount shows us that finding treatments, funding, support, and improving the quality of life of people with ME would save the U.S. economy many billions. 

Events

• Poet and creative writing instructor Jacob Scheier is offering a free poetry workshop for disabled and Covid-cautious people on Tuesday, December 19, at 7  pm EST/4 pm PST. Spots are limited. To register, email: disabilitypoetry@gmail.com

• Join artists Pato Herbert and aAily A. Muhammad for “The Role Of Artists In Justice Movements” a free, virtual event on Wednesday, December 13 at 12 pm EST/ 9 am PST. The event is presented with Visual AIDS.

• The Bateman Horne Center, an ME and Long Covid research, education, and clinical care center, is hosting a free virtual “Lunch and Learn” event on Thursday, December 14 at 1:30 pm EST / 10:30 am PST. The event will feature breakout rooms to make connections within the community.