Long COVID, also called post-COVID condition or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC), refers to symptoms that persist or develop after the acute infection has resolved. The WHO defines it as symptoms lasting more than 4 weeks without another explanation. In practice, many patients are dealing with problems that have lasted a year or more.

The most commonly reported symptoms include:

• Persistent fatigue and post-exertional malaise (PEM), worsening of symptoms after physical or cognitive effort.
• Brain fog, difficulty concentrating, slowed thinking, and memory lapses that make normal work feel impossible.
• Breathlessness and chest tightness, even in people with no structural lung damage.
• Autonomic dysfunction, heart rate irregularities, dizziness, and difficulty regulating temperature.
• Muscle and joint pain, often without a clear cause.
• Sleep disruption, difficulty falling asleep, non-restorative sleep, or both.
• Immune dysregulation, ongoing abnormal inflammatory activity long after the infection.
• Anxiety and depression are frequently linked to physiological causes rather than psychological ones alone.

What makes Long COVID genuinely difficult to treat is that the underlying biology appears to involve several problems running simultaneously. Research points to persistent viral antigen in tissues, reactivation of latent viruses such as Epstein-Barr, mitochondrial dysfunction affecting cellular energy production, and chronic immune activation. No single drug addresses all of these at once. That gap is part of why so many patients feel they have run out of options.

Standard care for Long COVID focuses on managing individual symptoms. Symptom management matters, but it leaves the underlying dysfunction largely untouched. Here is where most conventional approaches run into problems:

 The missing piece in most Long COVID treatment plans is something that addresses immune dysregulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress as a system rather than symptom by symptom. That is the biological context in which ozone therapy becomes relevant.

Ozone therapy uses a carefully controlled mixture of ozone and medical-grade oxygen, administered in precise concentrations by trained physicians. Its applications range from circulatory disease to chronic infections and immune conditions.

Its relevance to Long COVID comes from what ozone does at the cellular and immune level, not from any single mechanism, but from several converging ones.

The Key Mechanisms

• Oxidative stress recalibration: One of the stranger aspects of ozone therapy is that a brief, controlled oxidative challenge appears to activate the body's own antioxidant systems. In Long COVID, where oxidative stress is chronically elevated and poorly regulated, this recalibrating effect may be genuinely useful.
• Immune system modulation: Ozone therapy has been shown to influence cytokine signalling and improve immune cell function. Long COVID is characterised by persistent abnormal immune activation, which is one of the more compelling rationales for ozone's potential role.
• Mitochondrial support: Mitochondrial dysfunction, reduced capacity to produce cellular energy, is one of the leading proposed explanations for Long COVID fatigue. Ozone therapy stimulates mitochondrial activity and improves cellular oxygen utilisation. Some patients report noticeable improvements in energy levels following treatment, which is consistent with this mechanism.
• Improved oxygen delivery: Ozone increases red blood cell flexibility and enhances oxygen release to tissues. For patients with persistent breathlessness or fatigue, better oxygen delivery at the cellular level can translate into measurable functional improvement.
• Antiviral activity: Ozone exhibits direct antiviral activity at appropriate concentrations. For patients in whom viral persistence or reactivation of latent infections contributes to ongoing symptoms, this is a relevant additional mechanism.

Important: Ozone therapy is not a cure for Long COVID. Outcomes vary across individuals, and the evidence base for Long COVID is still developing as the medical community responds to what, clinically speaking, is a new condition. GS Medical Services coordinates access to this therapy based on a thorough, honest medical evaluation. We do not overstate what treatment can achieve.

Every patient referred through GS Medical Services receives a fully coordinated care journey. We manage the process from initial evaluation through to long-term follow-up, so that patients and families can focus on what matters.

Step 1: Comprehensive Medical Review and Eligibility Assessment

Before anything is arranged, your case is reviewed in detail. This includes:

• A full review of your medical history, COVID-19 infection timeline, and symptom progression
• In-depth consultation with the medical team
• Honest assessment of candidacy, including a frank discussion of whether treatment is likely to be of benefit in your case

Step 2: Personalised Treatment Planning

If assessed as a suitable candidate, a treatment plan is built around your specific symptoms and health profile:

• The most appropriate ozone delivery method has been selected for your condition
• Number and frequency of sessions determined by symptom severity and response
• Complementary approaches identified to support your recovery alongside ozone therapy
• Full logistics coordination covered: appointments, documentation, and accommodation guidance for international patients

Step 3: Ozone Therapy Procedure:

Ozone therapy can be delivered by several methods depending on the clinical picture:

• Major Autohemotherapy (MAH): A volume of blood is drawn, mixed with ozone, and reinfused intravenously. The most commonly used systemic method for immune and mitochondrial support.
• Rectal insufflation: Ozonated gas is introduced rectally. Well-tolerated, effective for systemic immune modulation, and often used in combination with MAH.
• Ozonated saline infusion: Ozone dissolved in saline and administered intravenously for systemic effect.
• Minor autohemotherapy: A smaller ozonated blood volume is reinjected intramuscularly. Often used to complement other methods.

 All procedures are physician-supervised in licensed clinical facilities meeting international standards. Sessions typically run 60 to 90 minutes. Most patients return to their accommodation the same day.

Step 4: Structured Follow-Up and Ongoing Support

Your care does not end when you leave Germany:

• Remote follow-up via secure telemedicine, no need to return for routine check-ins.
• Progress is assessed using validated outcome measures to objectively track improvement.
• Personalised guidance on complementary approaches to support your recovery alongside ozone therapy.
• Long-term monitoring to assess the durability of treatment benefit over time.
• Direct access to the medical team throughout your recovery, for questions or concerns as they arise.

Throughout your recovery, the team remains accessible to provide support and respond to any questions or concerns.

Ozone therapy is not appropriate for every Long COVID patient. Based on current clinical evidence and the experience of the clinics we work with, individuals who may be considered for treatment typically include those with:

• Confirmed Long COVID with symptoms persisting beyond 12 weeks post-infection
• Significant fatigue, brain fog, breathlessness, or immune dysfunction that has not responded adequately to standard care
• No active haemophilia, G6PD deficiency, severe thrombocytopenia, or hyperthyroidism
• Not currently pregnant
• Generally stable overall health without acute infections or conditions that significantly increase procedural risk
• Realistic expectations: ozone therapy is not a guaranteed resolution, and outcomes vary
• Willingness to support treatment with complementary lifestyle and rehabilitation approaches

If you are unsure whether this applies to you, the initial consultation is the right place to find out. Suitability is assessed on an individual basis, and we do not push patients toward treatment that is unlikely to help their specific situation.

Based on current clinical research and patient outcomes, ozone therapy for Long COVID may offer the following:

• Reduced fatigue and improved energy: Some patients report meaningful reductions in the exhaustion that defines Long COVID, including post-exertional malaise, following treatment.
• Clearer cognitive function: Patients with brain fog describe sharper thinking and better concentration after treatment.
• Improved breathing and exercise tolerance: Enhanced oxygen utilisation may reduce breathlessness in patients without structural lung damage.
• Reduced systemic inflammation: Ozone's immune-modulating effects may help settle the chronic inflammatory state that drives many Long COVID symptoms.
• Better sleep: Some patients report improvements in sleep quality alongside other symptom improvements.
• Broader symptom reduction: For patients with multiple Long COVID symptoms, a treatment that addresses several mechanisms simultaneously may produce broader improvement than targeted symptom management alone.

Published research in peer-reviewed medical journals has reported improvements in fatigue, immune markers, and quality-of-life measures in patients receiving ozone therapy for conditions involving immune dysregulation and mitochondrial dysfunction, mechanisms directly relevant to Long COVID. Evidence specific to Long COVID is accumulating, and GS Medical Services works with clinics that adhere to evidence-informed protocols.

Ozone therapy has a well-established safety record in European clinical medicine when performed correctly. That said, it is a medical procedure, and it carries the following risks: 

Common side effects (typically mild and temporary)

• Fatigue for 24 to 48 hours following treatment
• Mild headache or lightheadedness
• Temporary discomfort or bruising at the access site
• A brief, transient worsening of symptoms in the first few days, which usually resolves on its own

Contraindications and rarer risks

• Ozone therapy is contraindicated in G6PD deficiency, haemophilia, active haemorrhage, and hyperthyroidism
• Air embolism is a rare but serious risk if the procedure is performed incorrectly, which is precisely why physician supervision in a proper clinical setting matters
• Allergic reactions are uncommon but possible

Post-Treatment Guidance: All patients receive comprehensive post-treatment instructions, including activity recommendations, guidance on resuming daily routines and complementary therapies, warning signs requiring immediate attention, and strategies to support and optimise the effectiveness of ozone therapy through lifestyle and rehabilitation.

When considering ozone therapy for Long COVID recovery, having the right medical coordination partner by your side can significantly shape your experience. GS Medical Services simplifies what is otherwise a complex process, supporting patients through each stage of accessing specialist care overseas. Everything we do is guided by the following principles:

• German Clinical Standards: Treatments are guided by the clinical protocols and evidence-based standards established at Germany's leading centres for integrative and biological medicine, not unregulated wellness settings.
• Personalised Treatment Plans: Every treatment plan is built around your specific symptoms, severity, timeline, and overall health.
• Compassionate & Expert Care: Our coordinators bring genuine dedication to patient well-being, ensuring you feel informed and supported at every stage.
• International Patient Support: Dedicated coordination for patients travelling from across the UAE, the Gulf region, and internationally, including appointment management, documentation, and travel logistics.
• Transparency & Honest Guidance: We provide clear, realistic information about expected outcomes, candidacy criteria, and potential risks.
• Continuity of Care Through: Secure telemedicine, your relationship with our medical team continues long after you leave Dubai, with structured follow-up, monitoring, and ongoing guidance.

If you have been living with Long COVID and feel you have reached the limit of what standard care can offer, an independent medical evaluation is a reasonable next step. You can consult Dr. Med. Gerhard Siebenhuener for an expert assessment and personalised treatment guidance.

Your initial consultation includes:

• A confidential review of your medical history and Long COVID symptom profile
• An honest assessment of whether ozone therapy is appropriate for your case
• A realistic discussion of potential benefits, risks, and expected outcomes
• A clear explanation of the treatment process and timeline
• Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
• Opportunity to ask questions and address concerns at your own pace

There is no obligation to proceed with treatment following your consultation. Our goal is to provide you with the information and support you need to make an informed decision about your health and your Long COVID recovery journey.

How long does an ozone therapy session take for Long COVID?

A typical session runs 60 to 90 minutes, including preparation and post-procedure monitoring. Plan for around 2-3 hours at the clinic on treatment days. Most patients return to their accommodation the same evening.

Is ozone therapy painful?

Most patients find the procedure straightforward. Major autohemotherapy involves a standard blood draw and reinfusion, similar to an ordinary IV. Mild discomfort at the access site is the most common experience during treatment.

Can ozone therapy help patients who have had Long COVID for several years?

Yes. There is no fixed window after which treatment becomes irrelevant. The biological mechanisms ozone therapy targets, immune dysregulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress, do not resolve spontaneously in many patients, which means the rationale for treatment remains valid regardless of how long symptoms have persisted. Suitability is always assessed individually.

How is ozone therapy regulated in Germany?

In Germany, ozone therapy is classified as a medical procedure subject to national regulatory standards. It must be administered by licensed physicians in appropriate clinical environments. This distinguishes German clinical ozone therapy from unregulated wellness applications available elsewhere.

Can I combine ozone therapy with my existing medications?

In most cases, yes, but this is assessed during your pre-treatment evaluation. Any potential interactions or contraindications with current medications are reviewed before the protocol is finalised.

How much does ozone therapy for Long COVID cost?

Costs vary depending on the number of sessions, the method of administration, and the specifics of your treatment plan. Transparent, itemised pricing is provided after your medical assessment.

The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Ozone therapy outcomes for Long Covid recovery vary between individuals, and the treatment may not be suitable for everyone. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your care.