Post-COVID-19 syndrome: When an acute infection causes a chronic illness

Abstract

We are currently contending with a significant consequence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic, termed post-COVID syndrome, which has escalated into another global crisis. Conservative estimates suggest that at least 76 million individuals worldwide are grappling with this condition, based on a projected 10% incidence rate among those previously infected. Daily, the tally of cases associated with this syndrome continues to mount. The emergence of long COVID has spurred intensified research endeavors, yet the current volume of ongoing studies falls short, and patient prognosis remains largely unchanged. Consequently, there is an urgent need for enhanced research methodologies to tackle this emerging condition effectively and to mount a robust response to the crisis. Management of post-COVID syndrome primarily revolves around symptomatic relief and rehabilitation strategies aimed at ameliorating the most prevalent symptoms that profoundly impact patients’ quality of life, such as fatigue, dyspnea, and loss of taste and smell. Despite sustained investigative efforts, specific treatments, including steroid therapies, have thus far failed to yield clinically significant outcomes. In this review, we delve into the multifaceted nature of post-COVID syndrome, exploring its impact, current management strategies, and the imperative for advancing research to better understand and address this pressing global health challenge.