The Treatment Outcomes Survey can be found HERE.

The survey takes around 3-9 minutes. You will need a Google account to view or complete the survey. (The sign-in allows you to change your answers later if you try new treatments and would like to contribute more data.)

Questions can be addressed to glennchan /at/ gmail [dot] com


An analysis of the current survey data is available below.

The data was analyzed on 2023-04-09.

Understanding the data¶

The rankings section should give a rough idea as to which treatments stand out as being promising treatments.

The section ranks all of the treatments (while ignoring those with very few data points). Then, specific types of treatments such as diet will be ranked against each another (while including treatments with very few data points). That analysis should help you understand:

  • How different types of treatments compare to each other
  • How different treatments stack up against one another within a particular category/type of treatment.

The charts section provides breakdowns for individual treatments. If a treatment has very few data points, it may be grouped together with other similar treatments.

The Symptoms versus treatment responses section analyzes whether self-reported symptoms correlate with treatment response.

The Severity analysis section looks at whether or not treatment responses are different based on peak severity (during the worst month of illness), current severity (past 30 days), and recovery (current versus peak severity).

How to use this analysis¶

If you're interested in a particular treatment, search this webpage for the name of that treatment. On desktops, use Crtl+F to bring up your browser's search function.

Treatment names are usually chosen to be short and memorable:

  • PLEX instead of plasmapheresis, therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), etc.
  • Alinia instead of nitazoxanide.

Remember to search for brand names and short versions of a treatment's name. Usually there is a section where multiple names for a single treatment are listed- searching for any of the names will help you find the shortened memorable names.

Sections¶

  • Understanding the data
  • Rankings of treatments
  • Charts of treatment outcomes
  • Demographics
  • Symptoms versus treatment responses
  • Severity analysis
  • Additional analysis

Rankings of treatments¶

  • Significant improvement is given a score of 3.
  • Mild improvement is given a score of 1.
  • Not much benefit/harm is given a score of 0.
  • Mild worsening is given a score of -1.
  • Significant worsening is given a score of -3.
  • Effect unclear is given a score of 0.

All treatments are judged based on its average score. If all surveyees were to report mild improvement, then the average score would be 1.

For risk scoring, only the negative scores are considered. The maximum possible range is from 0 to -3.

Warning: Some treatments may be far more dangerous than they appear. In particular, many medical professionals are unaware of the risks of benzodiazepines and SSRIs such as suicide risk in adults (and children). Those drugs can also lead to withdrawal issues with long-term use. Please use some caution when interpreting the survey results. For example, deaths are not reported in the survey data because those who have passed away cannot fill out surveys.


The chart below is followed by a table showing the same data plus risk score and # of data points.

Treatments with more than 58 data points Score Risk score # of data points (out of 469 surveyees)
1 ['Pacing strategies'] 1.43 -0.01 175
2 ['Brain retraining'] 1.20 -0.07 61
3 ['Prayer'] 1.18 0.00 143
4 ['Anti inflammatory diet'] 1.16 -0.02 82
5 ['LDN'] 1.15 -0.18 78
6 ['Glutenfree diet'] 1.14 -0.03 187
7 ['Low histamine diet'] 1.11 -0.03 196
8 ['Avoiding exercise'] 1.09 -0.09 280
9 ['HBOT <=1.5 ATA', 'HBOT >1.5 ATA'] 0.95 -0.31 75
10 ['Meditation'] 0.93 -0.02 205
11 ['Benzodiazepines'] 0.87 -0.25 95
12 ['Ivermectin'] 0.85 -0.13 112
13 ['Zyrtec'] 0.79 -0.14 154
14 ['Pepcid'] 0.78 -0.17 134
15 ['Magnesium'] 0.76 -0.04 327
16 ['Intermittent fasting'] 0.71 -0.07 164
17 ['Probiotics prebiotics'] 0.67 -0.08 231
18 ['Statins', 'Red yeast rice'] 0.64 -0.25 75
19 ['Plant based diet', 'Vegan diet'] 0.61 -0.12 116
20 ['Melatonin'] 0.60 -0.14 204
21 ['OMAD'] 0.59 -0.22 80
22 ['B vitamins'] 0.59 -0.09 324
23 ['Red light therapy'] 0.58 -0.10 59
24 ['Beta blockers'] 0.57 -0.48 120
25 ['Corticosteroids'] 0.55 -0.39 161
26 ['Nigella sativa capsules'] 0.54 -0.03 63
27 ['Vitamin D'] 0.53 -0.03 365
28 ['NAC'] 0.52 -0.08 183
29 ['Nigella sativa oil'] 0.52 -0.14 80
30 ['Claritin'] 0.51 -0.19 132
31 ['Vitamin C'] 0.50 -0.02 322
32 ['Aspirin'] 0.50 -0.09 206
33 ['IV vitamins'] 0.50 -0.16 92
34 ['Acupuncture'] 0.49 -0.28 142
35 ['CBT'] 0.48 -0.14 95
36 ['Fish oil etc.'] 0.48 -0.03 221
37 ['Quercetin'] 0.48 -0.11 243
38 ['CBD THC'] 0.48 -0.21 151
39 ['Allegra'] 0.47 -0.23 73
40 ['Acrivastine'] 0.47 -0.10 59
41 ['Zinc'] 0.46 -0.04 289
42 ['K vitamins'] 0.42 -0.06 124
43 ['ALA'] 0.41 -0.13 101
44 ['Advil'] 0.36 -0.12 224
45 ['Benadryl'] 0.33 -0.25 73
46 ['Other NSAID'] 0.30 -0.16 123
47 ['Pine needle tea'] 0.28 -0.13 69
48 ['Tylenol'] 0.27 -0.08 191
49 ['Multivitamin'] 0.26 -0.09 188
50 ['Other pain relievers'] 0.12 -0.44 89
51 ['SSRIs'] 0.02 -0.54 190
52 ['Elavil', 'Doxepin', 'Pamelor', 'Clomipramine'] -0.08 -0.61 61
53 ['Antibiotics'] -0.09 -0.49 152
54 ['Light exercise'] -0.51 -0.98 302
55 ['Graded exercise therapy'] -1.08 -1.40 78
56 ['Intense exercise'] -2.12 -2.27 213

Exercise and activity-related only¶

Treatments with more than 0 data points Score Risk score # of data points (out of 469 surveyees)
1 [Pacing strategies] 1.43 -0.01 175
2 [Avoiding exercise] 1.09 -0.09 280
3 [Light exercise] -0.51 -0.98 302
4 [Graded exercise therapy] -1.08 -1.40 78
5 [Intense exercise] -2.12 -2.27 213

Blood thinning drugs + HELP apheresis¶

Please note that the sample sizes for certain treatments are very small. As well, the data may be highly biased and may not be representative of how other people might respond to blood thinning drugs.

Tylenol (acetaminophen) is not considered to be a blood-thinning drug. It is included because it is a common alternative to other drugs on this list (Advil, Aspirin, etc.).

WARNING: There is one anecdote of a ME/CFS patient worsening after HELP apheresis which eventually resulted in their death. The survey data may not fully capture the risk of that treatment.
Treatments with more than 0 data points Score Risk score # of data points (out of 469 surveyees)
1 [Eliquis] 1.86 0.00 14
2 [Clopidogrel] 1.54 -0.04 24
3 [HELP apheresis] 1.36 -0.36 11
4 [Heparin] 0.56 -0.19 16
5 [Aspirin] 0.50 -0.09 206
6 [Advil] 0.36 -0.12 224
7 [Other NSAID] 0.30 -0.16 123
8 [Tylenol] 0.27 -0.08 191
9 [Xarelto] -0.25 -0.25 4

Current theories and treatments related to those theories¶

Pacing strategies and HBOT (high ATA) are included as reference points.

WARNING: There is one anecdote of a ME/CFS patient worsening after HELP apheresis which eventually resulted in their death. The survey data may not fully capture the risk of that treatment.
Treatments with more than 0 data points Score Risk score # of data points (out of 469 surveyees)
1 [Eliquis] 1.86 0.00 14
2 [Clopidogrel] 1.54 -0.04 24
3 [Pacing strategies] 1.43 -0.01 175
4 [HELP apheresis] 1.36 -0.36 11
5 [HBOT >1.5 ATA] 1.35 -0.32 34
6 [Low histamine diet] 1.11 -0.03 196
7 [Maraviroc] 1.08 -0.50 12
8 [Multiday fasting] 1.04 -0.33 27
9 [IVIG] 1.00 -0.33 21
10 [Benzodiazepines] 0.87 -0.25 95
11 [24-48 hour fasting] 0.79 -0.31 52
12 [Zyrtec] 0.79 -0.14 154
13 [Pepcid] 0.78 -0.17 134
14 [Intermittent fasting] 0.71 -0.07 164
15 [Statins, Red yeast rice] 0.64 -0.25 75
16 [HBOT <=1.5 ATA] 0.61 -0.29 41
17 [OMAD] 0.59 -0.22 80
18 [PLEX] 0.57 0.00 7
19 [Heparin] 0.56 -0.19 16
20 [Corticosteroids] 0.55 -0.39 161
21 [Aspirin] 0.50 -0.09 206
22 [Quercetin] 0.48 -0.11 243
23 [Advil] 0.36 -0.12 224
24 [Other NSAID] 0.30 -0.16 123
25 [Luteolin] 0.21 -0.10 29
26 [Xarelto] -0.25 -0.25 4

Certain prescription drugs, statins, maraviroc¶

Excludes anti-depressants, anti-microbials, etc.

Treatments with more than 0 data points Score Risk score # of data points (out of 469 surveyees)
1 [Maraviroc] 1.08 -0.50 12
2 [Opiates] 0.96 -0.20 46
3 [Colchicine] 0.66 -0.45 53
4 [Statins, Red yeast rice] 0.64 -0.25 75
5 [Beta blockers] 0.57 -0.48 120
6 [Other pain relievers] 0.12 -0.44 89
7 [Antiseizure] -0.17 -0.87 23

Anti-depressants¶

Treatments with more than 0 data points Score Risk score # of data points (out of 469 surveyees)
1 [Celexa, Lexapro, Fluvoxamine, Prozac, Paxil, ... 0.04 -0.52 147
2 [Cymbalta, Effexor] -0.07 -0.58 43
3 [Elavil, Doxepin, Pamelor, Clomipramine] -0.08 -0.61 61
4 [Remeron, Seroquel, Wellbutrin] -0.30 -0.74 50

Specific psychiatric drugs, SSRIs, TCAs, anti-psychotics¶

Treatments with more than 0 data points Score Risk score # of data points (out of 469 surveyees)
1 [Paxil] 0.86 -0.29 7
2 [Fluvoxamine] 0.49 -0.42 45
3 [Celexa] 0.46 -0.31 13
4 [Seroquel] 0.31 -0.46 13
5 [Effexor] 0.23 -0.38 13
6 [Pamelor] 0.22 -0.67 9
7 [Doxepin] 0.00 -0.67 6
8 [Clomipramine] 0.00 0.00 1
9 [Prozac] -0.10 -0.52 21
10 [Elavil] -0.16 -0.60 45
11 [Antiseizure] -0.17 -0.87 23
12 [Cymbalta] -0.20 -0.67 30
13 [Wellbutrin] -0.27 -0.53 15
14 [Zoloft] -0.38 -0.62 26
15 [Lexapro] -0.44 -0.69 32
16 [Vortioxetine] -0.67 -1.00 3
17 [Remeron] -0.68 -1.05 22

Anti-histamines and certain MCAS drugs¶

While Quetiapine / Seroquel is often thought of as a TCA, it is also a H1 receptor antagonist. It is a dopamine, serotonin, and adrenergic antagonist, and a potent antihistamine with some anticholinergic properties.

DAO = Diamine Oxidase enzyme

Treatments with more than 0 data points Score Risk score # of data points (out of 469 surveyees)
1 [Rupatadine] 1.60 0.00 5
2 [Other antihistamines] 1.22 -0.06 18
3 [Bilastine] 1.00 0.00 4
4 [Doxylamine] 1.00 0.00 2
5 [Hydroxyzine] 0.88 -0.12 25
6 [Zyrtec] 0.79 -0.14 154
7 [Pepcid] 0.78 -0.17 134
8 [DAO] 0.75 -0.02 51
9 [Clarinex] 0.58 -0.05 19
10 [Claritin] 0.51 -0.19 132
11 [Acrivastine] 0.47 -0.10 59
12 [Allegra] 0.47 -0.23 73
13 [Ketotifen] 0.35 -0.41 17
14 [Benadryl] 0.33 -0.25 73
15 [Seroquel] 0.31 -0.46 13
16 [Xyzal] 0.17 -0.50 12
17 [Ebastine] 0.00 0.00 3
18 [Seldane] 0.00 0.00 1
19 [Doxepin] 0.00 -0.67 6

Other MCAS treatments and sleep drugs¶

Treatments with more than 0 data points Score Risk score # of data points (out of 469 surveyees)
1 [LDN] 1.15 -0.18 78
2 [Low histamine diet] 1.11 -0.03 196
3 [Ambien] 1.09 -0.27 22
4 [Benzodiazepines] 0.87 -0.25 95
5 [Cromolyn] 0.68 -0.16 19

Over-the-counter supplements only¶

Treatments with more than 0 data points Score Risk score # of data points (out of 469 surveyees)
1 [Magnesium] 0.76 -0.04 327
2 [Probiotics prebiotics] 0.67 -0.08 231
3 [Melatonin] 0.60 -0.14 204
4 [B vitamins] 0.59 -0.09 324
5 [Nigella sativa capsules] 0.54 -0.03 63
6 [Vitamin D] 0.53 -0.03 365
7 [Nigella sativa oil] 0.52 -0.14 80
8 [NAC] 0.52 -0.08 183
9 [Vitamin C] 0.50 -0.02 322
10 [Quercetin] 0.48 -0.11 243
11 [CBD THC] 0.48 -0.21 151
12 [Fish oil etc.] 0.48 -0.03 221
13 [Zinc] 0.46 -0.04 289
14 [K vitamins] 0.42 -0.06 124
15 [ALA] 0.41 -0.13 101
16 [Monolaurin] 0.29 -0.14 21
17 [Pine needle tea] 0.28 -0.13 69
18 [Multivitamin] 0.26 -0.09 188
19 [Nigella sativa seed] 0.25 0.00 16
20 [Luteolin] 0.21 -0.10 29

Diet only¶

Treatments with more than 0 data points Score Risk score # of data points (out of 469 surveyees)
1 [Other diet] 1.41 0.00 32
2 [Anti inflammatory diet] 1.16 -0.02 82
3 [Glutenfree diet] 1.14 -0.03 187
4 [Low histamine diet] 1.11 -0.03 196
5 [Carnivore diet] 0.92 -0.16 25
6 [AIP diet] 0.85 -0.15 26
7 [Paleo diet] 0.77 -0.27 30
8 [Plant based diet] 0.72 -0.07 76
9 [Keto diet] 0.70 -0.27 33
10 [Vegan diet] 0.40 -0.22 40
11 [Wahls protocol] 0.18 -0.73 11

Fasting only¶

Treatments with more than 0 data points Score Risk score # of data points (out of 469 surveyees)
1 [Multiday fasting] 1.04 -0.33 27
2 [24-48 hour fasting] 0.79 -0.31 52
3 [Intermittent fasting] 0.71 -0.07 164
4 [OMAD] 0.59 -0.22 80
5 [Multiday juice fasting] 0.50 -0.50 10

Mental and alternative treatments only¶

Treatments with more than 0 data points Score Risk score # of data points (out of 469 surveyees)
1 [Brain retraining] 1.20 -0.07 61
2 [Prayer] 1.18 0.00 143
3 [Meditation] 0.93 -0.02 205
4 [EMDR] 0.67 -0.15 27
5 [Infrared sauna] 0.64 -0.18 56
6 [Red light therapy] 0.58 -0.10 59
7 [Acupuncture] 0.49 -0.28 142
8 [CBT] 0.48 -0.14 95
9 [Traditional sauna] 0.15 -0.56 34

Infusion treatments, HBOT, and immune-suppressing drugs¶

*This survey did not ask whether methylene blue was taken via IV or swallowed into the body.

WARNING: There is one anecdote of a ME/CFS patient worsening after HELP apheresis which eventually resulted in their death. The survey data may not fully capture the risk of that treatment.
Treatments with more than 0 data points Score Risk score # of data points (out of 469 surveyees)
1 [Methylene blue] 1.43 0.00 7
2 [HELP apheresis] 1.36 -0.36 11
3 [HBOT >1.5 ATA] 1.35 -0.32 34
4 [IVIG] 1.00 -0.33 21
5 [EBOO] 0.78 0.00 9
6 [SCIG] 0.67 0.00 3
7 [Inuspheresis] 0.67 0.00 3
8 [HBOT <=1.5 ATA] 0.61 -0.29 41
9 [PLEX] 0.57 0.00 7
10 [Corticosteroids] 0.55 -0.39 161
11 [Biologic] 0.50 0.00 4
12 [IV vitamins] 0.50 -0.16 92
13 [IV ozone] 0.45 -0.21 33
14 [DMARD] 0.20 -0.10 10
15 [Methotextrate] 0.00 -0.14 7

Anti-microbials¶

Chronic Lyme treatments such as HBOT, methylene blue, IV ozone, and monolaurin are included. Amphotericin, Canesten, Econazole, etc. are anti-fungals.

Treatments with more than 0 data points Score Risk score # of data points (out of 469 surveyees)
1 [Methylene blue] 1.43 0.00 7
2 [HBOT >1.5 ATA] 1.35 -0.32 34
3 [Monoclonals] 1.06 -0.12 17
4 [Tamiflu] 1.00 0.00 1
5 [Plaquenil] 0.89 -0.22 36
6 [Ivermectin] 0.85 -0.13 112
7 [Molnupiravir] 0.75 0.00 4
8 [Paxlovid] 0.64 -0.43 14
9 [HBOT <=1.5 ATA] 0.61 -0.29 41
10 [Aciclovir, Famciclovir, Valtrex, Valcyte] 0.57 -0.09 53
11 [Nigella sativa capsules] 0.54 -0.03 63
12 [Nigella sativa oil] 0.52 -0.14 80
13 [Amphotericin, Canesten, Econazole, Fluconazol... 0.51 -0.22 37
14 [Alinia] 0.50 0.00 2
15 [IV ozone] 0.45 -0.21 33
16 [Monolaurin] 0.29 -0.14 21
17 [Nigella sativa seed] 0.25 0.00 16
18 [Tetracyclines, Flox antibiotics, Penicillins,... -0.09 -0.49 152

Specific antibiotics¶

'Antibiotic unknown type' = The surveyee doesn't know what antibiotic they took.

Treatments with more than 0 data points Score Risk score # of data points (out of 469 surveyees)
1 [Aminoglycosides] 1.50 0.00 2
2 [Sulfonamides] 1.00 0.00 1
3 [Antibiotic unknown type] 0.80 -0.13 15
4 [Macrolides] 0.16 -0.32 25
5 [Tetracyclines] 0.13 -0.17 30
6 [Metronidazole] 0.00 -1.00 3
7 [Cephalosporins] -0.10 -0.60 10
8 [Other antibiotic] -0.44 -0.62 16
9 [Penicillins] -0.48 -0.67 27
10 [Flox antibiotics] -0.62 -1.06 16
11 [Clindamycin] -0.75 -0.75 4
12 [Nitrofurantoin] -1.00 -1.00 3

COVID-19 treatments¶

Surveyees may have answered in an acute COVID-19 context or outside of an acute COVID-19 context.

Treatments with more than 0 data points Score Risk score # of data points (out of 469 surveyees)
1 [Monoclonals] 1.06 -0.12 17
2 [Vedicinals9] 1.00 -0.21 14
3 [Plaquenil] 0.89 -0.22 36
4 [Ivermectin] 0.85 -0.13 112
5 [Molnupiravir] 0.75 0.00 4
6 [Paxlovid] 0.64 -0.43 14
7 [Melatonin] 0.60 -0.14 204
8 [Vitamin D] 0.53 -0.03 365
9 [Tollovid] 0.43 -0.14 14

Charts¶

These charts show how surveyees reported their experiences with particular treatments. If the treatment had very few data points, they are usually grouped together with other similar treatments to provide combined data.

Anti-depressants: SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs¶

WARNING: Some anti-depressants can lead to serious withdrawal issues and suicide. This survey data may not fully capture the risk of these types of drugs.

SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)¶

Fluvoxamine (Luvox)¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    8.5 % | 30 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         15.1 % | 13 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             7.1 % | 2 out of 28 total patients

SNRIs (Serotonin–Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors)¶

Cymbalta (Duloxetine)¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    5.9 % | 21 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         3.5 % | 3 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             21.4 % | 6 out of 28 total patients

Effexor (Venlafaxine)¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    1.7 % | 6 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         1.2 % | 1 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             21.4 % | 6 out of 28 total patients

TCAs (Tricyclic Antidepressants)¶

  • Amitriptyline / Elavil
  • Doxepin / Sinequan, Quitaxon, Adapin, Triadapin, Aponal, and others
  • Nortriptyline / Pamelor
  • Clomipramine / Anafranil

Elavil (Amitriptyline)¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    9.0 % | 32 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         12.8 % | 11 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             7.1 % | 2 out of 28 total patients

Doxepin (Sinequan, Quitaxon, Adapin, Triadapin, Aponal)¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    1.1 % | 4 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         1.2 % | 1 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             3.6 % | 1 out of 28 total patients

Other anti-depressants and anti-psychotics¶

Tylenol, other NSAIDs, prescription blood thinners¶

Tylenol (paracetamol)¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    39.2 % | 139 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         47.7 % | 41 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             39.3 % | 11 out of 28 total patients

Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid)¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    42.5 % | 151 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         51.2 % | 44 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             39.3 % | 11 out of 28 total patients

Advil (ibuprofen)¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    47.3 % | 168 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         48.8 % | 42 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             50.0 % | 14 out of 28 total patients

Other NSAID (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug)¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    25.9 % | 92 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         23.3 % | 20 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             39.3 % | 11 out of 28 total patients

Prescription blood thinners¶

Heparin, Eliquis / Apixiban, Clopidogrel, Xarelto, Sulodexide

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    3.4 % | 12 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         4.7 % | 4 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             0.0 % | 0 out of 28 total patients
Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    2.0 % | 7 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         7.0 % | 6 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             3.6 % | 1 out of 28 total patients
Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    2.8 % | 10 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         14.0 % | 12 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             7.1 % | 2 out of 28 total patients

IVIG, SCIG, and other infusion-based treatment¶

IVIG (Intravenous Immunoglobulin)¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    4.8 % | 17 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         2.3 % | 2 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             7.1 % | 2 out of 28 total patients

SCIG (subcutaneous immunoglobulin)¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    0.8 % | 3 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         0.0 % | 0 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             0.0 % | 0 out of 28 total patients

PLEX / TPE (therapeutic plasma exchange) / Plasmapheresis¶

Data on PLEX is also available from React19 Survey #3:

  • Survey results: https://react19.org/react19-patient-led-research-risk-factors-survey-3/
  • Chart: https://vaxrecoveryproject.com/uploads/default/original/1X/27e39a183a5083d36f273e2baf857514bd9ec3cc.png

1 surveyee reported mild improvement while 1 reported significant worsening.

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    1.7 % | 6 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         1.2 % | 1 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             0.0 % | 0 out of 28 total patients

HELP apheresis (heparin-induced extracorporeal low-density lipoprotein precipitation)¶

WARNING: There is one anecdote of a ME/CFS patient worsening after HELP apheresis which eventually resulted in their death. The survey data may not fully capture the risk of that treatment.
Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    0.6 % | 2 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         9.3 % | 8 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             3.6 % | 1 out of 28 total patients

Inuspheresis¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    0.6 % | 2 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         1.2 % | 1 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             0.0 % | 0 out of 28 total patients

IV ozone (intravenous ozone)¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    7.0 % | 25 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         5.8 % | 5 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             10.7 % | 3 out of 28 total patients

IV vitamins (intravenous vitamins) and IV vitamin C¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    18.0 % | 64 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         23.3 % | 20 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             28.6 % | 8 out of 28 total patients

EBOO (extracorporeal blood oxygenation and ozonation)¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    2.0 % | 7 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         1.2 % | 1 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             3.6 % | 1 out of 28 total patients

Methylene blue¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    1.7 % | 6 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         0.0 % | 0 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             3.6 % | 1 out of 28 total patients

HBOT (Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy)¶

HBOT <=1.5 ATA, HBOT >1.5 ATA

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    7.6 % | 27 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         14.0 % | 12 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             7.1 % | 2 out of 28 total patients
Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    6.2 % | 22 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         14.0 % | 12 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             0.0 % | 0 out of 28 total patients

Immune suppressing drugs¶

Corticosteroids (e.g. prednisone, methylprednisone, dexamethasone, etc.)¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    36.6 % | 130 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         31.4 % | 27 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             14.3 % | 4 out of 28 total patients
Do people with lower severity respond better to corticosteroids?
Current severity 4 or less | Average (mean) score: 0.77 | n =  60
Current severity 5 or more | Average (mean) score: 0.42 | n =  77

Methotextrate¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    1.7 % | 6 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         0.0 % | 0 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             3.6 % | 1 out of 28 total patients

Biologic, e.g. Humira, Enbrel, rituximab¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    1.1 % | 4 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         0.0 % | 0 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             0.0 % | 0 out of 28 total patients

Other DMARD (Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drug)¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    2.3 % | 8 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         1.2 % | 1 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             3.6 % | 1 out of 28 total patients

Traditional anti-microbials¶

Anti-parasitic / Anti-helmintic¶

Ivermectin (Stromectol, Soolantra)¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    22.8 % | 81 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         31.4 % | 27 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             14.3 % | 4 out of 28 total patients

Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    7.3 % | 26 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         10.5 % | 9 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             3.6 % | 1 out of 28 total patients

Alinia (Nitazoxanide)¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    0.0 % | 0 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         2.3 % | 2 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             0.0 % | 0 out of 28 total patients

Antibiotics, e.g. tetracyclines, macrolides, fluoroquinolones ('flox'), doxycycline, etc.¶

Warning: The 'flox' antibiotics or fluoroquinolones have support groups for people injured by them. Please do your research before taking them, especially when there are many alternatives available.

Antivirals - Aciclovir, Famiciclovir, Valtrex (valacyclovir), Valcyte (valganciclovir)¶

Valtrex (valacyclovir / valaciclovir)¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    4.5 % | 16 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         9.3 % | 8 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             14.3 % | 4 out of 28 total patients

Valcyte (valganciclovir / valgancyclovir)¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    0.0 % | 0 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         0.0 % | 0 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             3.6 % | 1 out of 28 total patients

Aciclovir / acyclovir¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    4.2 % | 15 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         5.8 % | 5 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             0.0 % | 0 out of 28 total patients

Famciclovir / Famvir / Famyclovir¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    0.6 % | 2 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         1.2 % | 1 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             3.6 % | 1 out of 28 total patients

Ribavirin, Tamiflu¶

(Not enough data points for Ribavirin or Tamiflu)

Used ribavirin: 0
Used Tamiflu: 1

Anti-fungal: Fluconazole, Amphotericin, Canesten, Econazole, Ketoconazole, Miconazole, Nystatin, Terbinafine, Other antifungal¶

COVID-19 treatments¶

Paxlovid (Nirmatrelvir / ritonavir)¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    1.4 % | 5 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         10.5 % | 9 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             0.0 % | 0 out of 28 total patients

Molnupiravir¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    0.6 % | 2 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         2.3 % | 2 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             0.0 % | 0 out of 28 total patients

Monoclonal antibodies (monoclonals)¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    3.7 % | 13 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         3.5 % | 3 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             3.6 % | 1 out of 28 total patients

Tollovid¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    1.4 % | 5 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         10.5 % | 9 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             0.0 % | 0 out of 28 total patients

Vedicinals9¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    1.4 % | 5 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         10.5 % | 9 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             0.0 % | 0 out of 28 total patients

Prescription drugs¶

Opiates, e.g. fentanyl, codeine¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    9.9 % | 35 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         9.3 % | 8 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             10.7 % | 3 out of 28 total patients

Other pain relievers, e.g. gabapentin¶

WARNING: Gabapentin can lead to suicide. The survey data may not fully capture the risk of these types of drugs.
Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    20.8 % | 74 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         15.1 % | 13 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             7.1 % | 2 out of 28 total patients

Benzodiazepines e.g. Xanax, Ativan, clonazepam¶

WARNING: Benzodiazepines can lead to serious withdrawal issues and suicide. The survey data may not fully capture the risk of these types of drugs.
Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    20.3 % | 72 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         18.6 % | 16 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             25.0 % | 7 out of 28 total patients

Ambien (zolpidem)¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    3.9 % | 14 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         8.1 % | 7 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             3.6 % | 1 out of 28 total patients

Antiseizure (anti-seizure), e.g. topiramate / Topamax, lamotrigine / Lamictal¶

WARNING: Some anti-seizure drugs increase the risk of suicidal ideation. The survey data may not fully capture the risk of these types of drugs.
Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    5.1 % | 18 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         4.7 % | 4 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             3.6 % | 1 out of 28 total patients

Beta blockers¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    25.4 % | 90 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         27.9 % | 24 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             21.4 % | 6 out of 28 total patients

Colchicine¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    13.0 % | 46 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         7.0 % | 6 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             3.6 % | 1 out of 28 total patients

Statins (including red yeast rice)¶

Maraviroc (Selzentry / Celsentri)¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    2.5 % | 9 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         3.5 % | 3 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             0.0 % | 0 out of 28 total patients

Anti-histamines¶

Acrivastine (Benadryl Allergy Relief in the UK)¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    13.5 % | 48 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         10.5 % | 9 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             7.1 % | 2 out of 28 total patients

Cetirizine (Zyrtec)¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    30.1 % | 107 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         46.5 % | 40 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             25.0 % | 7 out of 28 total patients

Diphenhydramine / Benadryl¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    15.5 % | 55 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         17.4 % | 15 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             10.7 % | 3 out of 28 total patients

Famotidine (Pepcid)¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    26.5 % | 94 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         43.0 % | 37 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             10.7 % | 3 out of 28 total patients

Fexofenadine (Allegra)¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    13.8 % | 49 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         22.1 % | 19 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             17.9 % | 5 out of 28 total patients

Loratadine (Claritin)¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    27.9 % | 99 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         30.2 % | 26 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             25.0 % | 7 out of 28 total patients

Ketotifen (Zaditor)¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    2.8 % | 10 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         4.7 % | 4 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             10.7 % | 3 out of 28 total patients

Levocetirizine (Xyzal)¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    2.3 % | 8 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         3.5 % | 3 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             3.6 % | 1 out of 28 total patients

DAO enzymes (Diamine oxidase enzymes)¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    10.7 % | 38 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         11.6 % | 10 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             10.7 % | 3 out of 28 total patients

Other anti-histamines¶

Note: Some anti-histamine drugs (e.g. Doxepin, Seroquel) are listed under anti-depressants above.

Desloratadine (Clarinex)¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    3.7 % | 13 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         3.5 % | 3 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             10.7 % | 3 out of 28 total patients

Cromolyn / Cromoglicic acid¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    3.7 % | 13 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         4.7 % | 4 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             7.1 % | 2 out of 28 total patients

LDN / Low dose naltrexone¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    13.5 % | 48 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         23.3 % | 20 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             35.7 % | 10 out of 28 total patients

Other anti-histamines e.g. Hydroxyzine, Bilastine, etc.¶

Supplements and over-the-counter drugs¶

Nigella sativa oil. The nigella sative plant is used to produce 'black seed oil'¶

This survey had three categories for the nigella sativa plant: oil, capsules (e.g. gelcaps, vegcaps), and the seed of the plant.

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    18.3 % | 65 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         10.5 % | 9 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             21.4 % | 6 out of 28 total patients
Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    13.2 % | 47 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         11.6 % | 10 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             21.4 % | 6 out of 28 total patients
Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    3.1 % | 11 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         2.3 % | 2 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             10.7 % | 3 out of 28 total patients

ALA / Alpha-lipoic acid¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    23.9 % | 85 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         9.3 % | 8 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             28.6 % | 8 out of 28 total patients

CBD THC | CBD (cannabidiol) or THC¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    31.3 % | 111 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         33.7 % | 29 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             39.3 % | 11 out of 28 total patients

Fish oil etc. | Fish oil, krill oil, omega 3/6¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    45.1 % | 160 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         47.7 % | 41 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             71.4 % | 20 out of 28 total patients

Luteolin¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    4.5 % | 16 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         9.3 % | 8 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             17.9 % | 5 out of 28 total patients

Melatonin¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    40.6 % | 144 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         51.2 % | 44 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             57.1 % | 16 out of 28 total patients

Monolaurin (Lauricidin)¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    3.1 % | 11 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         5.8 % | 5 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             17.9 % | 5 out of 28 total patients

NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine)¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    38.9 % | 138 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         39.5 % | 34 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             39.3 % | 11 out of 28 total patients

Pine needle tea¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    17.7 % | 63 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         4.7 % | 4 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             7.1 % | 2 out of 28 total patients

Probiotics prebiotics¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    44.8 % | 159 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         64.0 % | 55 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             60.7 % | 17 out of 28 total patients

Quercetin¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    50.1 % | 178 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         59.3 % | 51 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             50.0 % | 14 out of 28 total patients

B vitamins, e.g. B6, B12¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    67.6 % | 240 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         70.9 % | 61 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             82.1 % | 23 out of 28 total patients

Vitamin C¶

*Intravenous vitamin C is listed elsewhere as part of "IV vitamins".

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    66.8 % | 237 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         73.3 % | 63 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             78.6 % | 22 out of 28 total patients

Vitamin D¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    76.9 % | 273 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         82.6 % | 71 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             75.0 % | 21 out of 28 total patients

K vitamins¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    26.5 % | 94 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         20.9 % | 18 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             42.9 % | 12 out of 28 total patients

Multivitamin / Multi-vitamin¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    38.6 % | 137 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         45.3 % | 39 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             42.9 % | 12 out of 28 total patients

Magnesium¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    67.9 % | 241 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         73.3 % | 63 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             82.1 % | 23 out of 28 total patients

Zinc¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    60.8 % | 216 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         64.0 % | 55 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             64.3 % | 18 out of 28 total patients

Diets¶

Low histamine diet¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    42.0 % | 149 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         46.5 % | 40 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             25.0 % | 7 out of 28 total patients

Glutenfree diet / Gluten-free diet¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    40.0 % | 142 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         39.5 % | 34 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             39.3 % | 11 out of 28 total patients

Plant based diet | Vegetarian or (whole foods) plant-based diet¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    15.5 % | 55 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         15.1 % | 13 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             28.6 % | 8 out of 28 total patients

Vegan diet¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    8.2 % | 29 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         9.3 % | 8 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             10.7 % | 3 out of 28 total patients

Autoimmune protocol diet (AIP diet)¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    4.2 % | 15 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         9.3 % | 8 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             10.7 % | 3 out of 28 total patients

Wahls protocol diet¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    2.8 % | 10 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         0.0 % | 0 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             3.6 % | 1 out of 28 total patients

Carnivore diet or meat-only diet¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    4.8 % | 17 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         4.7 % | 4 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             14.3 % | 4 out of 28 total patients

Keto diet / ketogenic diet¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    6.8 % | 24 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         4.7 % | 4 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             17.9 % | 5 out of 28 total patients

Anti inflammatory diet / Anti-inflammatory diet¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    17.7 % | 63 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         17.4 % | 15 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             14.3 % | 4 out of 28 total patients

Other diet¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    5.6 % | 20 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         4.7 % | 4 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             28.6 % | 8 out of 28 total patients

Fasting¶

OMAD / One meal a day¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    15.5 % | 55 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         20.9 % | 18 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             25.0 % | 7 out of 28 total patients

Intermittent fasting, more than 1 meal a day¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    36.1 % | 128 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         25.6 % | 22 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             50.0 % | 14 out of 28 total patients

24-48 hour fasting¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    10.7 % | 38 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         9.3 % | 8 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             21.4 % | 6 out of 28 total patients

Multiday fasting | >48 hour fasting - dry or only water allowed¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    5.6 % | 20 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         3.5 % | 3 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             14.3 % | 4 out of 28 total patients

Multiday juice fasting | >48 hour fasting - teas, cleanses, juices, etc. allowed¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    2.0 % | 7 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         1.2 % | 1 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             7.1 % | 2 out of 28 total patients

Exercise or pacing strategies¶

Intense exercise (with sweating)¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    45.1 % | 160 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         46.5 % | 40 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             46.4 % | 13 out of 28 total patients

Light exercise (no sweating)¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    62.8 % | 223 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         67.4 % | 58 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             75.0 % | 21 out of 28 total patients

Graded exercise therapy¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    13.8 % | 49 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         26.7 % | 23 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             21.4 % | 6 out of 28 total patients

Avoiding exercise¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    55.2 % | 196 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         70.9 % | 61 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             82.1 % | 23 out of 28 total patients

Pacing strategies, e.g. spoon theory¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    28.2 % | 100 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         66.3 % | 57 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             64.3 % | 18 out of 28 total patients

Alternative treatments, mental treatments, other modalities¶

CBT / Cognitive Behavioral Therapy¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    18.6 % | 66 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         22.1 % | 19 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             35.7 % | 10 out of 28 total patients

Prayer¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    32.4 % | 115 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         23.3 % | 20 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             28.6 % | 8 out of 28 total patients

Meditation¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    40.8 % | 145 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         53.5 % | 46 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             50.0 % | 14 out of 28 total patients

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    5.4 % | 19 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         5.8 % | 5 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             10.7 % | 3 out of 28 total patients

Brain retraining¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    11.0 % | 39 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         16.3 % | 14 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             28.6 % | 8 out of 28 total patients

Acupuncture¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    32.1 % | 114 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         23.3 % | 20 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             28.6 % | 8 out of 28 total patients

Traditional sauna¶

*Note: Some people lose their ability to tolerate heat (e.g. hot showers) after they develop chronic illness. What works for somebody else may not be appropriate for you.

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    7.6 % | 27 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         2.3 % | 2 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             17.9 % | 5 out of 28 total patients

Infrared sauna¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    11.0 % | 39 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         7.0 % | 6 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             39.3 % | 11 out of 28 total patients

Red light therapy¶

Percentage of patients in each chronic illness group who tried this intervention:
Vaccine injured    13.5 % | 48 out of 355 total patients
Long COVID         7.0 % | 6 out of 86 total patients
ME/CFS             17.9 % | 5 out of 28 total patients

Demographics¶

Number of treatments tried¶

Number of treatments tried versus biological sex:
Female:  21.1
Male:    21.2

Age¶

Age distribution in Long COVID surveyees

Age distribution in COVID vaccine injured surveyees

Biological sex¶

71.8% of surveyees indicated that they were biologically female.

Walking ability¶

Ability to work¶

The severity scale is as follows:

  • 3 = 'Not able to work my last job at all.'
  • 2 = 'Able to work my last job only part-time.'
  • 1 = 'Able to work my last job full-time, but only with accommodations (e.g. working at home/remotely).'
  • 0 = 'Able to work my last job full-time.'

Symptoms, rated on a scale of 0 to 4 (Doesn't bother me to worst suffering imaginable)¶

  • -1 = Don't have that symptom. That corresponds to the first column.
  • Otherwise, symptoms are rated on a scale of 0-4. The column on the right consists of those who reported the highest severity possible.

Surveyees reported 'peak' severity from the worst month of illness.

Symptoms versus treatment responses¶

The survey asked respondents to rate their symptoms on a Likert scale.

  • 0 = Symptoms do not bother me
  • 4 = Worst suffering imaginable

These analyses look at possible connections between symptoms and treatment responses.

Food intolerances¶

Those with severe food intolerances are more likely to report significant improvement from a low-histamine or gluten-free diet.

Food intolerances 2 or less | Average (mean) score: 0.64 | n =  96
Food intolerances 3-4 | Average (mean) score: 1.55 | n =  95
Food intolerances 2 or less | Average (mean) score: 0.79 | n =  94
Food intolerances 3-4 | Average (mean) score: 1.5 | n =  90

Food intolerances versus anti-histamines

Food intolerances 2 or less | Average (mean) score: 0.48 | n =  91
Food intolerances 3-4 | Average (mean) score: 1.2 | n =  59

It is thought that DAO enzymes will benefit those with a strong histamine intolerance. However, reported outcomes do not seem to correlate heavily with self-reported food intolerance.

Food intolerances 2 or less | Average (mean) score: 0.79 | n =  19
Food intolerances 3-4 | Average (mean) score: 0.7 | n =  30

Those with the most severe food intolerances may respond differently to benzodiazepines, a drug often prescribed for Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). Food intolerances are associated with MCAS.

Food intolerances 2 or less | Average (mean) score: 0.95 | n =  66
Food intolerances 3-4 | Average (mean) score: 0.84 | n =  25

Food intolerances versus low-dose naltrexone (LDN)

Food intolerances 2 or less | Average (mean) score: 0.96 | n =  46
Food intolerances 3-4 | Average (mean) score: 1.39 | n =  31

HBOT >1.5 ATA versus food intolerances. Note: low sample size.

Food intolerances 2 or less | Average (mean) score: 0.56 | n =  16
Food intolerances 3-4 | Average (mean) score: 1.94 | n =  16

Food intolerances versus OMAD

Food intolerances 2 or less | Average (mean) score: 0.31 | n =  49
Food intolerances 3-4 | Average (mean) score: 1.03 | n =  30

Food intolerances versus prescription blood thinners

Blood thinners versus blood clotting, bleeding disorders¶

Do those without blood clotting/bleeding disorders report better outcomes from blood thinning drugs?!

No clotting disorder | Average (mean) score: 1.26 | n =  23
Reported clotting disorder | Average (mean) score: 1.2 | n =  35
No bleeding disorder | Average (mean) score: 1.33 | n =  39
Reported bleeding disorder | Average (mean) score: 1.06 | n =  18

Pain versus pain drugs (opiates, other pain relievers)¶

Peak pain 2 or lower | Average (mean) score: 0.0 | n =  10
Peak pain 3 or higher | Average (mean) score: 1.22 | n =  36
Peak pain 2 or lower | Average (mean) score: 0.31 | n =  16
Peak pain 3 or higher | Average (mean) score: 0.13 | n =  70

Depression¶

Those who reported the most severe depression in their worst month of illness tended to report a higher rate of significant improvement.

No depression | Average (mean) score: -0.1 | n =  29
Peak depression 0-2 | Average (mean) score: -0.13 | n =  104
Peak depression 3-4 | Average (mean) score: 0.02 | n =  158

"Brain fog", memory problems, or cognitive difficulties.¶

SSRIs may be slightly more effective in those who report the most severe brain fog, memory problems, or cognitive difficulties???

However, SSRIs were among the lowest-rated treatments in this survey.

No cognitive difficulties | Average (mean) score: -0.14 | n =  14
Cognitive difficulties 0-3 | Average (mean) score: 0.03 | n =  101
Cognitive difficulties 4 | Average (mean) score: 0.03 | n =  69
No cognitive difficulties | Average (mean) score: 0.2 | n =  20
Cognitive difficulties 0-3 | Average (mean) score: -0.06 | n =  157
Cognitive difficulties 4 | Average (mean) score: -0.06 | n =  115
No cognitive difficulties | Average (mean) score: 0.71 | n =  7
Cognitive difficulties 0-3 | Average (mean) score: 0.66 | n =  59
Cognitive difficulties 4 | Average (mean) score: 1.07 | n =  43

Sleep issues¶

Benzodiazepines are sometimes prescribed for sleep issues.

(Ambien is also prescribed but there is too little data to perform a useful analysis.)

Sleep issues 3 or less | Average (mean) score: 0.96 | n =  57
Sleep issues 4 | Average (mean) score: 0.7 | n =  33

Beta blockers¶

No POTS or feeling faint when standing up | Average (mean) score: 1.67 | n =  9
POTS 0-3 | Average (mean) score: 0.35 | n =  68
POTS 4 | Average (mean) score: 0.69 | n =  39
No POTS or feeling faint when standing up | Average (mean) score: 0.75 | n =  28
POTS 0-3 | Average (mean) score: 0.39 | n =  83
POTS 4 | Average (mean) score: 0.7 | n =  44

Severity analysis¶

The severity score is the combination of the following:

  1. Ability to walk (0 to 2).
  • Only able to walk for less than 1 minute --> 2
  • Only able to walk for 1-4 minutes --> 1
  • Able to walk for 5 or more minutes --> 0
  1. Ability to work last job (0 to 3)
  • Unable to work --> 3
  • Only able to work part-time --> 2
  • Able to work full-time but only with accomodations --> 1
  • Able to work full-time --> 0
  1. Highest self-reported suffering on any symptom (-1 to 4)
  • 0 = doesn't bother me, 4 = worst suffering imaginable --> 0-4
  • -1 = don't have (any) symptoms

The combined score can range from -1 to 9.

Treatment outcomes based on change in severity score from worst month of illness to past 30 days¶

High recovery = An improvement of 2.0 or more

Low recovery = An improvement of 1.0 or less (includes worsening)

HBOT may be an outlier as there is a large difference between the high and low recovery groups.

Are patients not recovering because they didn't try the right treatments?¶

The chart below compares those with high levels of recovery versus those who little or no recovery. For the most part, both groups have tried the same treatments.

Among those who have fully or almost fully recovered, treatment response varies widely¶

The treatments below were chosen because surveyees had very different experiences with those treatments.

Severity demographics¶

Percentage with current symptom suffering rated 'worst suffering imaginable':  27.500000000000004 %   | 115 out of 418
Percentage who cannot currently walk more than 1 minute:  4.8 %   | 20 out of 421
Percentage who cannot work their old job:  40.400000000000006 %   | 169 out of 418

Level of improvement from worst month to past 30 days¶

In the chart below, there are 2 bars in between the x-axis labels 0" and "2". These bars are for 0 and 1. The labels on the x-axis correspond to the bar to the upper right of it.

Heatmap of severity during worst month versus severity during past 30 days¶

  • The first column corresponds to people who reported that they don't currently have any symptoms.
  • The second column corresponds to people who reported that none of their symptoms currently bother them.
  • The third column corresponds to people who report the some of their symptoms currently bother them. (None reported some impairment of walking or work ability.)
  • The column on the very right corresponds to people who report the highest (current) severity.

The numbers inside each box represent the number of people.

Some surveyees increased along the severity scale due to a worsening of their work ability. This may suggest that work ability is not that important to these surveyees because they did not rate the past 30 days as being the worst month of their illness.

Number of people where severity score is available:  391
Questions for current severity were added later after some initial responses were collected.  Some people are missing severity scores because they didn't know how to answer the question about walking ability or because their worst month overlapped with the past 30 days.

Severity by chronic illness group¶

Severity score during worst month of illness
Long COVID         7.0 | n = 86
ME/CFS             7.4 | n = 28
Vaccine injured    6.5 | n = 355

Severity score for past 30 days
Long COVID         5.1 | n = 86
ME/CFS             5.7 | n = 28
Vaccine injured    4.5 | n = 355

Walking score for past 30 days (higher = greater impairment to walking ability)
Long COVID         0.2 | n = 86
ME/CFS             0.6 | n = 28
Vaccine injured    0.2 | n = 355

Working score for past 30 days (higher = greater impairment to working ability)
Long COVID         2.1 | n = 86
ME/CFS             2.3 | n = 28
Vaccine injured    1.6 | n = 355

Self-reported suffering for past 30 days (4 = greatest suffering imaginable)
Long COVID         2.7 | n = 86
ME/CFS             2.8 | n = 28
Vaccine injured    2.7 | n = 355

Peak severity score versus treatment outcomes¶

  • High severity = peak severity score 8 and above.
  • Low severity = peak severity score 7 and below.

Current (past 30 days) severity score versus treatment outcomes¶

Biological sex versus severity and recovery¶

Recovery, as measured by severity during worst month minus severity during the past 30 days

Severity during worst month of illness

Age versus severity¶

Additional analysis¶

What helped the most for people in pain?¶

Surprisingly, "Other pain relievers" ranked near the bottom of the list.

Pain severity from the worst month of illness was used.

Opiates were included but the sample size is small.

Number of data points for Opiates - 36  from the group  (pain is 3/4 on 0-4 scale)
Number of data points for Other pain relievers - 70  from the group  (pain is 3/4 on 0-4 scale)
Number of data points for Elavil - 34  from the group  (pain is 3/4 on 0-4 scale)
Number of data points for Doxepin - 5  from the group  (pain is 3/4 on 0-4 scale)
Number of data points for CBD THC - 88  from the group  (pain is 3/4 on 0-4 scale)
Number of data points for Opiates - 10  from the group  (pain 2 or less)
Number of data points for Other pain relievers - 16  from the group  (pain 2 or less)
Number of data points for Elavil - 9  from the group  (pain 2 or less)
Number of data points for Doxepin - 1  from the group  (pain 2 or less)
Number of data points for CBD THC - 61  from the group  (pain 2 or less)

What helped the most for people with food intolerances?¶

Severity from the worst month of illness was used.

Number of data points for Other antihistamines - 7  from the group  (pain is 3/4 on 0-4 scale)
Number of data points for Hydroxyzine - 10  from the group  (pain is 3/4 on 0-4 scale)
Number of data points for DAO - 30  from the group  (pain is 3/4 on 0-4 scale)
Number of data points for Clarinex - 9  from the group  (pain is 3/4 on 0-4 scale)
Number of data points for Acrivastine - 25  from the group  (pain is 3/4 on 0-4 scale)
Number of data points for Carnivore diet - 11  from the group  (pain is 3/4 on 0-4 scale)
Number of data points for Benzodiazepines - 25  from the group  (pain is 3/4 on 0-4 scale)
Number of data points for LDN - 31  from the group  (pain is 3/4 on 0-4 scale)
Number of data points for Luteolin - 15  from the group  (pain is 3/4 on 0-4 scale)
Number of data points for Cromolyn - 13  from the group  (pain is 3/4 on 0-4 scale)
Number of data points for Other antihistamines - 10  from the group  (food intolerances 2 or less)
Number of data points for Hydroxyzine - 14  from the group  (food intolerances 2 or less)
Number of data points for DAO - 19  from the group  (food intolerances 2 or less)
Number of data points for Clarinex - 10  from the group  (food intolerances 2 or less)
Number of data points for Acrivastine - 33  from the group  (food intolerances 2 or less)
Number of data points for Carnivore diet - 13  from the group  (food intolerances 2 or less)
Number of data points for Benzodiazepines - 66  from the group  (food intolerances 2 or less)
Number of data points for LDN - 46  from the group  (food intolerances 2 or less)
Number of data points for Luteolin - 14  from the group  (food intolerances 2 or less)
Number of data points for Cromolyn - 5  from the group  (food intolerances 2 or less)

What helped the most for people with POTS or OI?¶

POTS = Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome

OI = Orthostatic Intolerance

Severity from the worst month of illness was used.

Number of data points for Colchicine - 26  from the group  (POTS OI is 3/4 on 0-4 scale)
Number of data points for Colchicine - 23  from the group  (POTS OI 2 or less)

What helped the most for people with cognitive difficulties / brain fog / memory problems?¶

Severity from the worst month of illness was used.

Number of data points for Ivermectin - 78  from the group  (cognitive difficulties is 3/4 on 0-4 scale)
Number of data points for Fluvoxamine - 30  from the group  (cognitive difficulties is 3/4 on 0-4 scale)
Number of data points for Benzodiazepines - 57  from the group  (cognitive difficulties is 3/4 on 0-4 scale)
Number of data points for Prozac - 14  from the group  (cognitive difficulties is 3/4 on 0-4 scale)
Number of data points for Ivermectin - 31  from the group  (cognitive difficulties is 3/4 on 0-4 scale)
Number of data points for Fluvoxamine - 12  from the group  (cognitive difficulties is 3/4 on 0-4 scale)
Number of data points for Benzodiazepines - 34  from the group  (cognitive difficulties is 3/4 on 0-4 scale)
Number of data points for Prozac - 7  from the group  (cognitive difficulties is 3/4 on 0-4 scale)

What helped the most for people with sleep issues?¶

Severity from the worst month of illness was used.

Number of data points for Benzodiazepines - 56  from the group  (sleep issues are 3/4 on 0-4 scale)
Number of data points for Ambien - 15  from the group  (sleep issues are 3/4 on 0-4 scale)
Number of data points for Benzodiazepines - 34  from the group  (sleep issues 2 or less)
Number of data points for Ambien - 6  from the group  (sleep issues 2 or less)

What helped the most for people with depression?¶

Severity from the worst month of illness was used.

What helped the most for people with bleeding disorders?¶

PLEASE NOTE: The sample sizes are VERY SMALL for this analysis. You should assume that the chart below is highly unreliable.

Severity from the worst month of illness was used.

What helped the most for people with clotting disorders (too much clotting)?¶

Severity from the worst month of illness was used.

Do some people fail on one H1 blocker and succeed with another?¶

Loratadine (Claritin), fexofenadine (Allegra), cetirizine (Zyrtec, Benadryl Allergy One a Day Relief 🇬🇧), levocetirizine (Xyzal) and acrivastine (Benadryl Allergy Relief 🇬🇧) are H1 blockers that are sold over-the-counter in many countries.

Responders are defined as surveyees who answered either significant or mild improvement. The chart below compares pairings of some popular anti-histamines. Each row represents a group of people who failed a particular treatment/intervention (or reported that the effect was unclear). Each column represents the chances of responding to that particular intervention.

The bracketed numbers (1234) indicate the total number of people who did not respond to the treatment/intervention ('failed').

Zyrtec Claritin Allegra Acrivastine Pepcid (H2 blocker)
Zyrtec failed 13.5% (37) 18.8% (16) 13.3% (15) 26.7% (30)
Claritin failed 25.6% (43) 8.7% (23) 17.6% (17) 25.7% (35)
Allegra failed 35.0% (20) 12.5% (24) 14.3% (7) 19.0% (21)
Acrivastine failed 23.5% (17) 6.7% (15) 14.3% (7) 16.7% (12)
Pepcid (H2 blocker) failed 26.7% (30) 7.1% (28) 15.0% (20) 33.3% (15)

Do some people succeed on one diet but fail to respond with another?¶

7 diets compared

Low histamine diet Glutenfree diet Plant based diet Vegan diet Carnivore diet Keto diet Anti inflammatory diet
Low histamine diet failed 36.4% (44) 23.5% (17) 11.1% (9) 45.5% (11) 50.0% (6) 30.8% (13)
Glutenfree diet failed 22.2% (36) 11.8% (17) 16.7% (12) 27.3% (11) 50.0% (6) 16.7% (12)
Plant based diet failed 23.5% (17) 25.0% (20) 0.0% (15) 14.3% (7) 0.0% (3) 11.1% (9)
Vegan diet failed 38.5% (13) 41.2% (17) 6.2% (16) 42.9% (7) 0.0% (3) 22.2% (9)
Carnivore diet failed 25.0% (8) 11.1% (9) 14.3% (7) 20.0% (5) 33.3% (3) 50.0% (2)
Keto diet failed 50.0% (6) 50.0% (6) 0.0% (3) 0.0% (3) 33.3% (3) 25.0% (8)
Anti inflammatory diet failed 10.0% (10) 23.1% (13) 0.0% (8) 0.0% (7) 66.7% (3) 0.0% (6)

All diets compared

Low histamine diet Glutenfree diet Plant based diet Vegan diet AIP diet Wahls protocol Paleo diet Carnivore diet Keto diet Anti inflammatory diet Other diet
Low histamine diet failed 36.4% (44) 23.5% (17) 11.1% (9) 12.5% (8) 0.0% (4) 50.0% (6) 45.5% (11) 50.0% (6) 30.8% (13) 50.0% (4)
Glutenfree diet failed 22.2% (36) 11.8% (17) 16.7% (12) 14.3% (7) 0.0% (3) 40.0% (5) 27.3% (11) 50.0% (6) 16.7% (12) 33.3% (3)
Plant based diet failed 23.5% (17) 25.0% (20) 0.0% (15) 14.3% (7) 0.0% (4) 20.0% (5) 14.3% (7) 0.0% (3) 11.1% (9) 50.0% (6)
Vegan diet failed 38.5% (13) 41.2% (17) 6.2% (16) 14.3% (7) 0.0% (4) 57.1% (7) 42.9% (7) 0.0% (3) 22.2% (9) 40.0% (5)
AIP diet failed 12.5% (8) 25.0% (8) 0.0% (6) 0.0% (6) 0.0% (5) 0.0% (5) 25.0% (4) 0.0% (4) 0.0% (5) 0.0% (2)
Wahls protocol failed 42.9% (7) 50.0% (6) 20.0% (5) 20.0% (5) 16.7% (6) 0.0% (4) 50.0% (2) 33.3% (3) 25.0% (4) 0.0% (2)
Paleo diet failed 40.0% (5) 50.0% (6) 20.0% (5) 25.0% (4) 0.0% (5) 0.0% (4) 25.0% (4) 20.0% (5) 20.0% (5) 0.0% (2)
Carnivore diet failed 25.0% (8) 11.1% (9) 14.3% (7) 20.0% (5) 0.0% (3) 0.0% (1) 0.0% (3) 33.3% (3) 50.0% (2) 100.0% (1)
Keto diet failed 50.0% (6) 50.0% (6) 0.0% (3) 0.0% (3) 0.0% (4) 0.0% (2) 0.0% (4) 33.3% (3) 25.0% (8) 25.0% (4)
Anti inflammatory diet failed 10.0% (10) 23.1% (13) 0.0% (8) 0.0% (7) 0.0% (5) 0.0% (3) 33.3% (6) 66.7% (3) 0.0% (6) 25.0% (4)
Other diet failed 50.0% (4) 33.3% (3) 0.0% (3) 0.0% (3) 0.0% (2) 0.0% (2) 0.0% (2) 100.0% (1) 0.0% (3) 0.0% (3)

Sex differences in treatment outcomes?¶

People who did not report worsening from intense exercise¶

These surveyees may be reporting slightly lower recovery (than those who reported negative outcomes from intense exericse). (Results may not necessarily be statistically significant.)

Reported improvement or not much benefit/harm from intense exercise: 34
Exercise responders peak sev: 5.8
Exercise responders curr sev: 4.0
Improvement:                  1.8

Reported worsening from exercise: 179
Not exercise responders peak sev 6.8
Not exercise responders curr sev 4.7
Improvement:                     2.1

Ivermectin non-responders (versus responders)¶

What treatments seemed to work well in the non-responders?

Treatment rankings for ivermectin non-responders

Treatments with more than 12 data points Score Risk score # of data points (out of 52 surveyees)
1 [Pacing strategies] 1.32 0.00 19
2 [Heparin, Eliquis, Clopidogrel, Xarelto, Sulod... 1.12 0.00 17
3 [Prayer] 1.06 0.00 17
4 [Low histamine diet] 0.96 -0.04 28
5 [Benzodiazepines] 0.94 -0.19 16
6 [Glutenfree diet] 0.88 0.00 33
7 [Pepcid] 0.73 -0.13 30
8 [Avoiding exercise] 0.67 -0.11 27
9 [Probiotics prebiotics] 0.57 0.00 40
10 [HBOT <=1.5 ATA, HBOT >1.5 ATA] 0.57 -0.33 21
11 [Beta blockers] 0.55 -0.41 22
12 [Plant based diet, Vegan diet] 0.54 -0.08 13
13 [Meditation] 0.52 -0.04 25
14 [Zyrtec] 0.48 -0.15 27
15 [Benadryl] 0.47 -0.20 15
16 [Intermittent fasting] 0.46 -0.04 24
17 [LDN] 0.43 -0.10 21
18 [Melatonin] 0.42 -0.05 40
19 [Claritin] 0.39 -0.17 18
20 [Statins, Red yeast rice] 0.38 0.00 16
21 [Infrared sauna] 0.36 -0.14 14
22 [Corticosteroids] 0.36 -0.32 28
23 [Magnesium] 0.35 -0.06 48
24 [Allegra] 0.31 -0.19 16
25 [Aspirin] 0.29 -0.07 41
26 [Quercetin] 0.26 -0.02 43
27 [Acupuncture] 0.25 -0.36 28
28 [Vitamin C] 0.25 0.00 44
29 [B vitamins] 0.23 -0.05 44
30 [Other NSAID] 0.21 -0.21 19
31 [Tylenol] 0.21 -0.11 19
32 [NAC] 0.20 -0.06 35
33 [Vitamin D] 0.19 0.00 48
34 [Fish oil etc.] 0.19 0.00 37
35 [CBT] 0.14 0.00 14
36 [Advil] 0.11 -0.21 28
37 [CBD THC] 0.08 -0.42 24
38 [Nigella sativa capsules] 0.06 -0.06 16
39 [Zinc] 0.04 -0.13 45
40 [Multivitamin] 0.00 -0.12 24
41 [K vitamins] -0.04 -0.13 23
42 [Celexa, Lexapro, Fluvoxamine, Prozac, Paxil, ... -0.06 -0.49 35
43 [Tetracyclines, Flox antibiotics, Penicillins,... -0.07 -0.38 29
44 [Pine needle tea] -0.07 -0.27 15
45 [ALA] -0.15 -0.23 13
46 [IV vitamins] -0.24 -0.33 21
47 [Ivermectin] -0.29 -0.29 52
48 [Light exercise] -1.12 -1.36 33
49 [Graded exercise therapy] -1.77 -2.00 13
50 [Intense exercise] -2.20 -2.28 25

Worsened on corticosteroids versus non-failures¶

Failure is not the same as a non-responder. Worsening/failure is defined as somebody who reported worsening; it does NOT include 'unsure' and 'not much benefit/harm'

Note that the sample sizes are fairly small, so this analysis is likely unreliable.

HBOT - high ATA versus low ATA¶

Data from surveyees who tried both high and low ATA HBOT:

HBOT <=1.5 ATA HBOT >1.5 ATA Difference?
1 Mild improvement Mild improvement
2 Mild improvement Significant improvement Mild improvement | Significant improvement
3 Mild improvement Mild improvement
4 Mild improvement Mild improvement
5 Mild improvement Mild improvement
6 Not much benefit/harm Significant improvement Not much benefit/harm | Significant improvement
7 Not much benefit/harm Significant worsening Not much benefit/harm | Significant worsening
8 Not much benefit/harm Not much benefit/harm
9 Significant improvement Significant improvement
10 Significant improvement Significant improvement
11 Significant improvement Significant improvement
12 Significant worsening Significant worsening

Those who try only low ATA HBOT versus those who try only high ATA HBOT¶

It seems that those who try only low ATA HBOT tend to rate treatments more favorably than people who try only high ATA HBOT.

This bias might even understate the difference in outcomes between high and low ATA HBOT.

Treatments with more than 9 data points Score Risk score # of data points (out of 22 surveyees)
1 ['HBOT <=1.5 ATA', 'HBOT >1.5 ATA'] 1.50 -0.23 22
2 ['Meditation'] 1.31 0.00 16
3 ['Glutenfree diet'] 1.27 0.00 11
4 ['Avoiding exercise'] 1.00 0.00 15
5 ['Low histamine diet'] 0.93 0.00 14
6 ['Acupuncture'] 0.73 0.00 15
7 ['NAC'] 0.64 0.00 14
8 ['Aspirin'] 0.53 -0.06 17
9 ['Probiotics prebiotics'] 0.47 -0.20 15
10 ['Melatonin'] 0.46 -0.08 13
11 ['Fish oil etc.'] 0.41 0.00 17
12 ['Quercetin'] 0.35 -0.18 17
13 ['Vitamin D'] 0.29 -0.05 21
14 ['Magnesium'] 0.28 -0.22 18
15 ['Vitamin C'] 0.26 -0.05 19
16 ['Pepcid'] 0.23 -0.46 13
17 ['Intermittent fasting'] 0.18 -0.36 11
18 ['IV vitamins'] 0.18 -0.09 11
19 ['CBD THC'] 0.14 -0.29 14
20 ['Zinc'] 0.12 -0.06 17
21 ['K vitamins'] 0.09 -0.09 11
22 ['B vitamins'] 0.00 -0.17 18
23 ['Plant based diet', 'Vegan diet'] 0.00 -0.40 10
24 ['Multivitamin'] -0.08 -0.08 12
25 ['Corticosteroids'] -0.20 -0.50 10
26 ['Light exercise'] -0.88 -1.19 16
27 ['Intense exercise'] -2.18 -2.45 11

Prayer analysis¶

Did those who reported positive outcomes from prayer have roughly the same change in severity as those who did not?

-- Change in severity score (-2 to +10, higher is more recovery) --
Significant improvement from prayer           2.37
Mild improvement from prayer                  1.53
Not much improvement or worsening             1.72

Tried prayer                                  1.82
Did not try prayer                            2.0

Number of successful treatments versus non-successful treatments¶

The chart below plots # of successful treatments on the y-axis and the number of non-successful treatments on the x-axis.

Non-successful includes 'effect unclear' and 'Not much benefit/harm'

A histogram plot of the # of succcessful treatments reported

A histogram plot of the # of non-succcessful treatments reported

Number of treatments with significant improvement versus treatments without significant improvement¶

The chart below plots # of highly successful treatments on the y-axis and the number of other treatments on the x-axis.

The same histogram, but only of those who mostly recovered

Among those who mostly recovered (27/398 people), these treatments were rated by some as leading to 'Significant improvement'
Count Percentage of all surveyees who tried this Ratio (count/percentage) - values above 13.4 suggest that these treatments do something
Avoiding exercise 6 59.7 10.1
Aspirin 4 43.9 9.1
Ivermectin 4 23.9 16.7
Magnesium 4 69.7 5.7
Multiday fasting 4 5.8 69.0
Quercetin 3 51.8 5.8
Melatonin 3 43.5 6.9
Nigella sativa oil 3 17.1 17.5
Light exercise 3 64.4 4.7
Glutenfree diet 2 39.9 5.0
Probiotics prebiotics 2 49.3 4.1
Zinc 2 61.6 3.2
Acupuncture 2 30.3 6.6
Vitamin C 2 68.7 2.9
24-48 hour fasting 2 11.1 18.0
Brain retraining 2 13.0 15.4
Statins 2 13.9 14.4
Anti inflammatory diet 1 17.5 5.7
Wahls protocol 1 2.3 43.5
Pacing strategies 1 37.3 2.7
Multivitamin 1 40.1 2.5
CBT 1 20.3 4.9
Vitamin D 1 77.8 1.3
Prayer 1 30.5 3.3
Meditation 1 43.7 2.3
Cymbalta 1 6.4 15.6
B vitamins 1 69.1 1.4
ALA 1 21.5 4.7
Tylenol 1 40.7 2.5
Advil 1 47.8 2.1
Other NSAID 1 26.2 3.8
Clopidogrel 1 5.1 19.6
Plaquenil 1 7.7 13.0
Macrolides 1 5.3 18.9
Monoclonals 1 3.6 27.8
Beta blockers 1 25.6 3.9
Colchicine 1 11.3 8.8
HBOT >1.5 ATA 1 7.2 13.9
Pepcid 1 28.6 3.5
Claritin 1 28.1 3.6
Hydroxyzine 1 5.3 18.9
LDN 1 16.6 6.0
Ambien 1 4.7 21.3
NAC 1 39.0 2.6
Among those who mostly recovered (27/398 people), these treatments were rated by some as leading to 'Significant improvement'
Count % of surveyees (with recovery data) who tried this % (of those who tried this) who mostly recovered
Avoiding exercise 6 61.3 2.5
Aspirin 4 44.0 2.3
Ivermectin 4 23.6 4.3
Magnesium 4 71.1 1.4
Multiday fasting 4 5.3 19.0
Quercetin 3 52.8 1.4
Melatonin 3 44.7 1.7
Nigella sativa oil 3 16.6 4.5
Light exercise 3 64.6 1.2
Glutenfree diet 2 41.0 1.2
Probiotics prebiotics 2 49.0 1.0
Zinc 2 63.6 0.8
Acupuncture 2 30.4 1.7
Vitamin C 2 69.6 0.7
24-48 hour fasting 2 10.6 4.8
Brain retraining 2 13.6 3.7
Statins 2 14.3 3.5
Anti inflammatory diet 1 17.3 1.4
Wahls protocol 1 2.5 10.0
Pacing strategies 1 38.7 0.6
Multivitamin 1 40.5 0.6
CBT 1 20.9 1.2
Vitamin D 1 79.1 0.3
Prayer 1 30.2 0.8
Meditation 1 46.0 0.5
Cymbalta 1 6.3 4.0
B vitamins 1 69.8 0.4
ALA 1 21.1 1.2
Tylenol 1 40.7 0.6
Advil 1 47.2 0.5
Other NSAID 1 26.4 1.0
Clopidogrel 1 5.3 4.8
Plaquenil 1 7.0 3.6
Macrolides 1 5.0 5.0
Monoclonals 1 3.3 7.7
Beta blockers 1 25.4 1.0
Colchicine 1 12.1 2.1
HBOT >1.5 ATA 1 7.8 3.2
Pepcid 1 27.6 0.9
Claritin 1 28.1 0.9
Hydroxyzine 1 4.8 5.3
LDN 1 15.8 1.6
Ambien 1 4.0 6.2
NAC 1 39.4 0.6
The mostly recovered consisted of the following chronic illness types:
Vaccine injured    23
Long COVID          4
Name: Chronic illness, dtype: int64
Among those with severity data (398 people), these treatments were popular.  Here are the top 60.
% of surveyees (with recovery data) who tried this % (of those who tried this) who mostly recovered AND reported significant improvement from this treatment
Fish oil etc. 46.7 0.0
Intense exercise 44.7 0.0
Low histamine diet 42.2 0.0
Intermittent fasting 35.4 0.0
Corticosteroids 34.4 0.0
Zyrtec 33.4 0.0
CBD THC 32.7 0.0
K vitamins 25.6 0.0
Benzodiazepines 19.3 0.0
IV vitamins 18.8 0.0
Other pain relievers 18.8 0.0
Graded exercise therapy 18.1 0.0
Plant based diet 16.8 0.0
Benadryl 16.1 0.0
OMAD 15.6 0.0
Allegra 15.1 0.0
Pine needle tea 13.6 0.0
Nigella sativa capsules 13.6 0.0
Acrivastine 12.1 0.0
Infrared sauna 11.6 0.0
DAO 10.8 0.0
Red light therapy 10.8 0.0
Opiates 10.1 0.0
HBOT <=1.5 ATA 9.0 0.0
Vegan diet 9.0 0.0
Fluvoxamine 8.8 0.0
Elavil 8.8 0.0
Keto diet 7.0 0.0
Other diet 7.0 0.0
Traditional sauna 7.0 0.0
IV ozone 6.8 0.0
Paleo diet 6.8 0.0
Valtrex 6.5 0.0
Luteolin 6.3 0.0
EMDR 6.3 0.0
Penicillins 6.0 0.0
Lexapro 6.0 0.0
Tetracyclines 5.8 0.0
AIP diet 5.8 0.0
Zoloft 5.0 0.0
Carnivore diet 5.0 0.0
Remeron 5.0 0.0
IVIG 4.8 0.0
Prozac 4.8 0.0
Antiseizure 4.5 0.0
Cromolyn 4.3 0.0
Clarinex 4.3 0.0
Monolaurin 4.0 0.0
Flox antibiotics 3.8 0.0
Aciclovir 3.5 0.0
Ketotifen 3.5 0.0
Other antihistamines 3.5 0.0
Tollovid 3.3 0.0
Vedicinals9 3.3 0.0
Other antibiotic 3.3 0.0
Heparin 3.3 0.0
Antibiotic unknown type 3.3 0.0
Paxlovid 3.0 0.0
Nigella sativa seed 3.0 0.0
Eliquis 3.0 0.0

Do the more pessimistic/realistic surveyees have a different ranking of treatments?¶

'Realists'/'pessimists' are defined as people who reported more than 2 non-successful treatments for every successful treatment.

Number of realists/pessimists: 153
All surveyees: 469

Rankings from realists are shown below:

Popularity rankings¶

Treatments sorted from most data points (people who reported data for the treatment) to least. The top 60 are shown.

Treatments with more than 0 data points Score Risk score # of data points (out of 469 surveyees) Percentage tried (%)
1 [Vitamin D] 0.53 -0.03 365 77.8
2 [Magnesium] 0.76 -0.04 327 69.7
3 [B vitamins] 0.59 -0.09 324 69.1
4 [Vitamin C] 0.50 -0.02 322 68.7
5 [Light exercise] -0.51 -0.98 302 64.4
6 [Zinc] 0.46 -0.04 289 61.6
7 [Avoiding exercise] 1.09 -0.09 280 59.7
8 [Quercetin] 0.48 -0.11 243 51.8
9 [Probiotics prebiotics] 0.67 -0.08 231 49.3
10 [Advil] 0.36 -0.12 224 47.8
11 [Fish oil etc.] 0.48 -0.03 221 47.1
12 [Intense exercise] -2.12 -2.27 213 45.4
13 [Aspirin] 0.50 -0.09 206 43.9
14 [Meditation] 0.93 -0.02 205 43.7
15 [Melatonin] 0.60 -0.14 204 43.5
16 [Low histamine diet] 1.11 -0.03 196 41.8
17 [Tylenol] 0.27 -0.08 191 40.7
18 [Multivitamin] 0.26 -0.09 188 40.1
19 [Glutenfree diet] 1.14 -0.03 187 39.9
20 [NAC] 0.52 -0.08 183 39.0
21 [Pacing strategies] 1.43 -0.01 175 37.3
22 [Intermittent fasting] 0.71 -0.07 164 35.0
23 [Corticosteroids] 0.55 -0.39 161 34.3
24 [Zyrtec] 0.79 -0.14 154 32.8
25 [CBD THC] 0.48 -0.21 151 32.2
26 [Prayer] 1.18 0.00 143 30.5
27 [Acupuncture] 0.49 -0.28 142 30.3
28 [Pepcid] 0.78 -0.17 134 28.6
29 [Claritin] 0.51 -0.19 132 28.1
30 [K vitamins] 0.42 -0.06 124 26.4
31 [Other NSAID] 0.30 -0.16 123 26.2
32 [Beta blockers] 0.57 -0.48 120 25.6
33 [Ivermectin] 0.85 -0.13 112 23.9
34 [ALA] 0.41 -0.13 101 21.5
35 [CBT] 0.48 -0.14 95 20.3
36 [Benzodiazepines] 0.87 -0.25 95 20.3
37 [IV vitamins] 0.50 -0.16 92 19.6
38 [Other pain relievers] 0.12 -0.44 89 19.0
39 [Anti inflammatory diet] 1.16 -0.02 82 17.5
40 [OMAD] 0.59 -0.22 80 17.1
41 [Nigella sativa oil] 0.52 -0.14 80 17.1
42 [Graded exercise therapy] -1.08 -1.40 78 16.6
43 [LDN] 1.15 -0.18 78 16.6
44 [Plant based diet] 0.72 -0.07 76 16.2
45 [Benadryl] 0.33 -0.25 73 15.6
46 [Allegra] 0.47 -0.23 73 15.6
47 [Pine needle tea] 0.28 -0.13 69 14.7
48 [Statins] 0.69 -0.28 65 13.9
49 [Nigella sativa capsules] 0.54 -0.03 63 13.4
50 [Brain retraining] 1.20 -0.07 61 13.0
51 [Red light therapy] 0.58 -0.10 59 12.6
52 [Acrivastine] 0.47 -0.10 59 12.6
53 [Infrared sauna] 0.64 -0.18 56 11.9
54 [Colchicine] 0.66 -0.45 53 11.3
55 [24-48 hour fasting] 0.79 -0.31 52 11.1
56 [DAO] 0.75 -0.02 51 10.9
57 [Opiates] 0.96 -0.20 46 9.8
58 [Fluvoxamine] 0.49 -0.42 45 9.6
59 [Elavil] -0.16 -0.60 45 9.6
60 [HBOT <=1.5 ATA] 0.61 -0.29 41 8.7

Risk rankings¶

Treatments sorted from highest risk score to lowest risk score.

Treatments with more than 58 data points Score Risk score # of data points (out of 469 surveyees)
1 [Intense exercise] -2.12 -2.27 213
2 [Graded exercise therapy] -1.08 -1.40 78
3 [Light exercise] -0.51 -0.98 302
4 [Elavil, Doxepin, Pamelor, Clomipramine] -0.08 -0.61 61
5 [Celexa, Lexapro, Fluvoxamine, Prozac, Paxil, ... 0.02 -0.54 190
6 [Tetracyclines, Flox antibiotics, Penicillins,... -0.09 -0.49 152
7 [Beta blockers] 0.57 -0.48 120
8 [Other pain relievers] 0.12 -0.44 89
9 [Corticosteroids] 0.55 -0.39 161
10 [HBOT <=1.5 ATA, HBOT >1.5 ATA] 0.95 -0.31 75
11 [Acupuncture] 0.49 -0.28 142
12 [Benzodiazepines] 0.87 -0.25 95
13 [Benadryl] 0.33 -0.25 73
14 [Statins, Red yeast rice] 0.64 -0.25 75
15 [Allegra] 0.47 -0.23 73
16 [OMAD] 0.59 -0.22 80
17 [CBD THC] 0.48 -0.21 151
18 [Claritin] 0.51 -0.19 132
19 [LDN] 1.15 -0.18 78
20 [Pepcid] 0.78 -0.17 134
21 [Other NSAID] 0.30 -0.16 123
22 [IV vitamins] 0.50 -0.16 92
23 [CBT] 0.48 -0.14 95
24 [Melatonin] 0.60 -0.14 204
25 [Nigella sativa oil] 0.52 -0.14 80
26 [Zyrtec] 0.79 -0.14 154
27 [ALA] 0.41 -0.13 101
28 [Ivermectin] 0.85 -0.13 112
29 [Pine needle tea] 0.28 -0.13 69
30 [Advil] 0.36 -0.12 224
31 [Plant based diet, Vegan diet] 0.61 -0.12 116
32 [Quercetin] 0.48 -0.11 243
33 [Acrivastine] 0.47 -0.10 59
34 [Red light therapy] 0.58 -0.10 59
35 [Multivitamin] 0.26 -0.09 188
36 [Aspirin] 0.50 -0.09 206
37 [B vitamins] 0.59 -0.09 324
38 [Avoiding exercise] 1.09 -0.09 280
39 [Probiotics prebiotics] 0.67 -0.08 231
40 [Tylenol] 0.27 -0.08 191
41 [NAC] 0.52 -0.08 183
42 [Intermittent fasting] 0.71 -0.07 164
43 [Brain retraining] 1.20 -0.07 61
44 [K vitamins] 0.42 -0.06 124
45 [Magnesium] 0.76 -0.04 327
46 [Zinc] 0.46 -0.04 289
47 [Vitamin D] 0.53 -0.03 365
48 [Glutenfree diet] 1.14 -0.03 187
49 [Nigella sativa capsules] 0.54 -0.03 63
50 [Fish oil etc.] 0.48 -0.03 221
51 [Low histamine diet] 1.11 -0.03 196
52 [Vitamin C] 0.50 -0.02 322
53 [Anti inflammatory diet] 1.16 -0.02 82
54 [Meditation] 0.93 -0.02 205
55 [Pacing strategies] 1.43 -0.01 175
56 [Prayer] 1.18 0.00 143