COVID in the Long Run: Key Findings, Mechanisms, and Recommendations
Long-term COVID is a devastating condition that affects at least 10% of those infected with the coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2). More than 200 symptoms, affecting several organ systems, have been documented. Long-term, COVID is expected to affect at least 65 million people worldwide, with cases growing on a daily basis. Biomedical research has made significant strides in identifying distinct pathophysiological alterations and risk factors.
Similarities with other viral-onset disorders such as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome have provided the framework for future research in the field. We examine the present research and emphasize major findings, such as the overlap with various illnesses, the varying onset of symptoms, lengthy COVID in children, and the impact of immunizations.
Although these fundamental discoveries are critical to understanding chronic COVID, present diagnostic and therapeutic options are insufficient, and clinical research addressing leading ideas must be emphasized. Future studies must also account for biases and SARS-CoV-2 testing difficulties, expand on viral-onset research, be inclusive of underserved populations, and meaningfully engage patients throughout the research process to boost long-term COVID research.
