COVID-19: Evaluation and Care of Patients With Persistent Symptoms Following Acute SARS-CoV-2 Infection

The ACP/Annals COVID-19 Forum V, held on June 9, 2021, focused on the evaluation and management of patients with persistent symptoms following acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. Dr. Lori Newman highlighted the significant contributions of "citizen scientists" and estimated that persistent symptoms could affect over 17 million people globally. Dr. John T. Brooks discussed the CDC's interim clinical guidance, which is evolving with new data, and emphasized the importance of clinical experience. Dr. Aluko Hope shared insights from post-COVID-19 clinics, stressing the need for a multidisciplinary approach and collaboration with primary care physicians. The panelists agreed on three key points: patients' symptoms should not be dismissed due to the absence of objective findings, lessons from other postviral conditions should guide care, and coordinated efforts are essential for understanding and managing persistent symptoms.