DISEASE SCANNER
Global Incurable Diseases Tracker
Long COVID (Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2)
Persistent symptoms following acute COVID-19 infection, lasting weeks to months after initial recovery. Affects multiple organ systems. Estimated 10-30% of COVID-19 survivors develop long COVID. Symptoms can be debilitating and fluctuating.
65.0M
111
Symptoms
Treatment Options
Risk Factors
Diagnostic Methods
- 1Clinical diagnosis
- 2Exclusion of other causes
- 3Assessment of symptoms
- 4Functional capacity testing
- 5Cardiopulmonary exercise testing
- 6Brain imaging (research)
- 7Autonomic testing
Prognosis
Variable; some recover within months, others have symptoms for years. Recovery often non-linear with relapses. Significant impact on quality of life and work capacity. New evidence suggests gradual improvement over time.
Prevention
- COVID-19 vaccination
- Avoiding infection
- Early treatment of acute COVID-19
- Public health measures
Research Status
No established cure. Vaccination reduces risk of long COVID. Paxlovid may reduce risk. Multidisciplinary rehabilitation. Antivirals studied. Low-dose naltrexone, antihistamines investigational. ME/CFS overlap recognized.
Affected Countries
Sources
- https://medlineplus.gov
- https://www.mayoclinic.org
- https://www.hematology.org/education/patients
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books
- https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases
Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.