Long COVID (also called post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2) can persist for months or even years after infection. Common symptoms include chronic fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath, sleep disturbance, muscle weakness, and pain. Research shows that these issues may stem from a combination of lingering inflammation, immune dysregulation, oxidative stress, microcirculatory problems, and mitochondrial dysfunction.
While there is no single cure, treatments that rebalance immune and oxidative pathways can play an important supportive role. One such therapy is EBO2 (Extracorporeal Blood Oxygenation and Ozonation), an innovative process that filters and revitalizes blood outside the body before returning it to the circulation.
What is EBO2?
EBO2 therapy is a form of advanced blood filtration and oxygenation. During a session, a small amount of blood is removed, passed through a high-grade filter, exposed to a precise medical ozone and oxygen mixture, and then returned to the body.
It is sometimes described as “ozone dialysis,” but instead of water, it uses medical ozone to gently stimulate natural healing pathways. This process supports the immune system, decreases inflammation, and helps neutralize harmful oxidative compounds.
EBO2 is not FDA-approved for Long COVID, but it is being used in select clinical settings as an adjunctive therapy to help patients reduce inflammation and restore balance.
How EBO2 May Help People with Long COVID
1. Reduces Oxidative Stress
Long COVID is often linked to oxidative stress, a biochemical imbalance that damages cells and contributes to fatigue, inflammation, and cognitive fog. The ozone exposure in EBO2 triggers a mild, controlled oxidative signal that activates the body’s own antioxidant defenses, particularly through the Nrf2 pathway. This process increases natural antioxidants like glutathione and superoxide dismutase, helping the body neutralize free radicals and repair cellular injury.
2. Supports Immune System Balance
Many people with Long COVID experience immune system confusion. Ozone therapy can help modulate immune activity rather than simply stimulating it. By forming temporary messenger molecules called ozonides, ozone encourages balanced cytokine signaling. This supports immune regulation, reduces chronic inflammation, and may ease symptoms related to immune overactivation.
3. Improves Circulation and Oxygen Delivery
EBO2 therapy can enhance blood flow and oxygen-carrying capacity, which supports microcirculation throughout the body. This is important for Long COVID, where small blood clots and endothelial dysfunction can contribute to shortness of breath, headaches, and exercise intolerance. The filtration process also removes inflammatory by-products, helping the blood flow more freely to tissues and organs.
4. Cleanses Inflammatory By-products
As the blood passes through the filtration system, EBO2 removes specific protein fragments, lipid oxidation products, and other metabolic wastes that can contribute to inflammation. Many patients report improved energy, clearer thinking, and overall vitality after treatment as systemic inflammation decreases.
5. Boosts Mitochondrial Function
Mitochondria are the body’s energy producers, and they can become impaired by viral infection and chronic inflammation. The redox balancing effect of EBO2 supports mitochondrial efficiency and energy production, which may help reduce fatigue and improve endurance in Long COVID patients.
Why the Ozone in EBO2 Matters
The key to EBO2’s therapeutic effect lies in the controlled use of medical ozone. This is not the same as environmental ozone exposure, which can be harmful. In medical settings, ozone is generated at precise concentrations and used only extracorporeally (outside the body) under strict safety conditions.
Here is how ozone contributes to the benefits of EBO2 therapy:
- Restores Redox Balance
Controlled ozone exposure activates cellular antioxidant systems and detoxification genes. This rebalances oxidative and anti-oxidative forces in the body, which may lessen fatigue, inflammation, and “post-exertional crashes.” - Regulates Cytokines
Ozone influences immune messenger molecules called cytokines, helping the body respond to infection and inflammation in a balanced way. It can reduce “cytokine storms” that sometimes persist in Long COVID, while strengthening underactive immune components. - Enhances Blood Flow
Ozone can improve the flexibility of red blood cells and enhance oxygen release to tissues. This leads to better oxygenation and nutrient delivery to areas of the body affected by poor circulation or inflammation. - May Help with Microbial Load
In laboratory studies, ozone has been shown to inactivate certain viruses and bacteria by damaging their lipid envelopes. While this mechanism is not the primary goal of EBO2 for Long COVID, it may play a secondary role in reducing microbial persistence and aiding immune recovery. - Stimulates Healing Pathways
Ozone activates key molecular networks, including Nrf2, which controls over 600 genes responsible for antioxidant defense, detoxification, and cellular repair. It also inhibits the NF-κB pathway, which drives inflammation and tissue damage. The result is a more resilient and balanced internal environment.
What to Expect During a Session
- Duration: Approximately 45 to 75 minutes
- Process: Blood is drawn into a sterile circuit, mixed with medical ozone and oxygen, filtered, and returned to the body.
- Frequency: Many patients begin with one session per week for several weeks, then taper as improvement stabilizes.
- Reported Benefits: Greater clarity, better energy, reduced inflammation, improved sleep, and overall sense of wellness.
Safety Considerations
EBO2 is generally well tolerated, but it is not suitable for everyone. It should be avoided in those with:
- Pregnancy
- G6PD deficiency
- Active bleeding disorders or uncontrolled anticoagulation
- Acute infections or fevers
- Unstable heart or lung disease
- Ozone intolerance
Medical ozone is never inhaled, and all procedures are performed using medical-grade equipment and sterile technique under the supervision of trained professionals.
How EBO2 Fits into a Comprehensive Long COVID Plan
EBO2 works best as part of a larger, integrative program that may include:
- Nutritional optimization with anti-inflammatory foods and adequate hydration
- Intravenous nutrient therapy, such as vitamin C, glutathione, or NAD⁺, to support energy and immunity
- Sleep restoration strategies and stress management
- Targeted supplements and peptides guided by individualized lab results
EBO2 is one tool among many to help the body regain balance and resilience after COVID-19.
The Bottom Line
EBO2 combines advanced blood filtration, oxygenation, and controlled medical ozone exposure to help reset the immune system, reduce inflammation, and restore healthy circulation. For patients struggling with persistent Long COVID symptoms, it offers a science-backed approach aimed at improving energy, cognition, and overall quality of life.
While EBO2 is not a cure and remains an off-label, non-FDA-approved therapy, early results and patient experiences suggest it may play a valuable role in recovery when used thoughtfully and under professional care.
– Dr. Purita
