TLDR Long COVID is a complex condition with many symptoms and unknowns, needing more research.
This narrative review highlights the ongoing public health challenge posed by long COVID, characterized by over 200 persistent or new symptoms. It examines the clinical characteristics, pathophysiology, epidemiology, and risk factors associated with long COVID. Despite existing evidence, significant gaps and controversies remain in understanding its diagnosis, pathophysiology, epidemiology, and the identification of prognostic and predictive factors. Additionally, the impact of viral strains and vaccination on long COVID is still not fully understood, indicating a need for further research in these areas.
3 citations
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May 2023 in “Frontiers in Public Health” Most severe COVID-19 patients in Mexico experienced long-lasting symptoms that worsened their quality of life.
353 citations
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February 2022 in “Nature Immunology” Long-haul COVID can cause lasting symptoms affecting many body systems and may be linked to ongoing inflammation and immune system issues.
1250 citations
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August 2021 in “Scientific Reports” COVID-19 leaves 80% of patients with long-term symptoms like fatigue and headaches.
32 citations
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July 2021 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Hair loss from COVID-19 usually starts around 45 days after infection and lasts about 47.5 days.
114 citations
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January 2021 in “medRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)” COVID-19 can cause over 50 long-term symptoms, with fatigue and headache being the most common.
737 citations
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August 2020 in “Journal of Infection” Many COVID-19 survivors experience long-term symptoms but still report satisfactory quality of life and return to work.
