Long COVID: When Symptoms Persist Months After Infection

Definition of Long COVID

Long COVID, or post-COVID syndrome, refers to the persistence or appearance of symptoms more than 4 weeks after the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection. Estimates suggest that 10 to 20% of infected people could be affected, even after a mild form.

Most frequent symptoms

Fatigue is the most reported symptom (up to 60% of cases), followed by brain fog (concentration and memory problems), shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitations, joint pain, and sleep disorders. Symptoms often fluctuate and can worsen after physical or mental exertion.

Suspected mechanisms

Several hypotheses are being studied: viral persistence in certain tissues, autoimmunity triggered by the infection, microthrombi in small vessels, and autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Research is still ongoing.

Management

There is no specific treatment yet. Progressive rehabilitation, activity pacing, psychological support, and multidisciplinary medical follow-up constitute the current approach. Vaccination seems to reduce the risk of developing long COVID.