Post-COVID-19 Syndrome Mechanisms, Prevention and Management

Long COVID is a syndrome with persistent symptoms lasting beyond 12 weeks after acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, affecting multiple organ systems such as respiratory, cardiovascular, and nervous systems. Common symptoms include fatigue and dyspnea. It may result from virus-induced tissue damage, prolonged inflammation, immune dysregulation, or autoimmune reactions. Risk factors include sex, age, and specific biomarkers. Vaccination is currently the only preventive measure and may aid those already affected. Management requires a multidisciplinary approach, and identifying high-risk individuals is crucial. The review discusses therapeutic options and tools for follow-up, providing an updated understanding of long COVID's epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and treatment.