Can you sing your way out of viral after-effects? Opera coaches and doctors think so, and working together at Imperial College in the U.K., they helped COVID-19 survivors get their breath back by singing. When a person breaks into song — particularly opera — they must hold notes for extended periods of time, engage their diaphragms and practice proper breathing techniques — all great exercises, it turns out, for treating symptoms of long-haul COVID.
Long-haul COVID-19 symptoms are common, and may last weeks or months after a person has recovered from the virus. Symptoms include fatigue, anxiety, shortness of breath, muscle pain, headaches, rashes and persistent coughs.
The free U.K program consisted of hour-long Zoom sessions once a week for six weeks. Program data show 90% of students in the pilot program reported their breathlessness improved, while 91% said their anxiety levels dropped. All participants said they would continue to practice the techniques when the program ended.
Source: The Smithsonian April 19, 2021