When do we speak of long COVID?

Long COVID, also known as post-acute sequelae or SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), refers to a set of symptoms that persist or develop after the acute phase of a COVID-19 infection. These symptoms can last for weeks to months after the original infection has cleared.

Long COVID can include a wide range of physical, cognitive and psychological complaints. Some of the most common symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, difficulty concentrating ("brain fog"), muscle and joint pain, headache, and loss of taste or smell.

The exact causes of Long COVID are not yet fully understood, but possible mechanisms include Persistent immune activation, viral reservoir in the body, autoimmunity, and long-term tissue damage from the infection.

There is currently no specific treatment for Long COVID. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and supporting recovery. Multidisciplinary care, in which different specialists work together, can be useful for patients with complex or long-lasting symptoms.

Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-021-01283-z

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2022-12-01 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2025