COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Originally emerging in late 2019, it triggered a global pandemic in 2020 that officially transitioned into an endemic phase by 2025. In this current stage, the virus circulates at relatively predictable levels, similar to seasonal influenza. 

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Current Symptoms (2026)

As of early 2026, dominant variants (such as "Cicada" [BA.3.2] and "Stratus" [XFG]) often present with symptoms concentrated in the upper respiratory tract rather than the lungs. 

• Common signs: Severe sore throat (often described as "razorblade" or "sharp"), heavy nasal congestion, runny nose, and dry cough.

• Other symptoms: Fatigue, headache, muscle aches, and hoarseness.

• Less universal: Fever and chills are still reported but are seen less universally than in earlier years. 

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Transmission and Protection

The virus primarily spreads through respiratory droplets and tiny particles released when an infected person breathes, talks, or coughs. 

• Long COVID: Some individuals experience persistent symptoms—such as brain fog, pain, and exhaustion—that last months or years after the initial infection. 

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Research suggests that Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) can provide significant benefits for both acute COVID-19 and Long COVID by delivering high concentrations of oxygen to damaged tissues and reducing systemic inflammation. 

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Benefits for Long COVID Symptoms

In patients suffering from symptoms persisting more than 12 weeks, HBOT has shown the following clinical improvements:

• Neurocognitive Recovery: Statistically significant improvements in attention, executive function, and information processing speed. Brain imaging has also shown increased perfusion (blood flow) and structural connectivity in regions tied to memory and cognitive tasks.

• Fatigue and Physical Endurance: Patients have reported a "very large" improvement in stamina and physical role functioning. Studies noted increased VO2 max and exercise capacity, sometimes returning to pre-infection levels.

• Mental Health and Sleep: Notable positive changes in mood, anxiety, and depression scores have been documented. Many participants also reported better sleep quality and reduced insomnia.

• Pain Reduction: Significant decreases in joint and muscle pain severity and interference have been observed, with some benefits persisting up to one year post-treatment.