A large UK trial is adding to the evidence that specialist long Covid services can make a meaningful difference for patients still struggling with fatigue months after infection. Researchers reported that people receiving care in specialist clinics saw improvements over 12 weeks, with benefits sustained for many participants over time.
What the trial found
The study, led by UCL and UCLH and funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research, involved nearly 800 adults in England with long Covid. Participants were randomly assigned to usual care or to one of three treatments: a combination of antihistamines, colchicine, or rivaroxaban. The researchers found that all groups experienced a reduction in self-reported fatigue over the study period, supporting the value of structured care for post-COVID symptoms. ([news-medical.net](https://www.news-medical.net/news/20260708/Antihistamines-show-modest-benefits-for-long-Covid-fatigue-treatment.aspx?utm_source=openai))
The findings were published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, and the trial focused on patients being treated in specialist long Covid clinics. According to the report, the average improvement in fatigue was 4.3 points on a 40-point scale over 12 weeks. ([news-medical.net](https://www.news-medical.net/news/20260708/Antihistamines-show-modest-benefits-for-long-Covid-fatigue-treatment.aspx?utm_source=openai))
Why the result matters for UK care
Long Covid remains a significant health issue in the UK, with symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog and reduced day-to-day function continuing long after the original infection. The new data suggest that specialist follow-up can help patients improve, even when no single medication clearly stands out as a universal solution. ([news-medical.net](https://www.news-medical.net/news/20260708/Antihistamines-show-modest-benefits-for-long-Covid-fatigue-treatment.aspx?utm_source=openai))
For clinicians, the findings reinforce the idea that long Covid should be managed through a combination of targeted support, symptom monitoring and rehabilitation rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. That message is consistent with other recent UK research pointing to the benefits of rehabilitation-based interventions for cognitive long Covid symptoms. ([news-medical.net](https://www.news-medical.net/news/20260701/Ten-weeks-of-cognitive-rehabilitation-reverses-long-Covid-brain-fog.aspx?utm_source=openai))
Ongoing uncertainty over the best treatment path
Although the trial found small benefits, it did not identify a clear breakthrough drug for fatigue. Instead, it points to gradual progress in understanding how much can be achieved through specialist services and supportive treatment. That is an important distinction for patients and services alike, especially as demand for long Covid care continues. ([news-medical.net](https://www.news-medical.net/news/20260708/Antihistamines-show-modest-benefits-for-long-Covid-fatigue-treatment.aspx?utm_source=openai))
Researchers and clinicians will now be looking to see how these results influence real-world practice across NHS clinics. For patients, the message is cautiously encouraging: improvement is possible, and structured care appears to help. ([news-medical.net](https://www.news-medical.net/news/20260708/Antihistamines-show-modest-benefits-for-long-Covid-fatigue-treatment.aspx?utm_source=openai))
