In a recent study published in the journal Nature Medicine , researchers conducted an interdisciplinary review to examine the current scientific evidence on long coronavirus disease (long COVID) and its impact on individuals, health systems, and national and global economies. They also synthesized a roadmap for future research and policies on long COVID. Review: Long COVID science, research and policy .
Image Credit: p.ill.i / Shutterstock Background One of the long-term impacts of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections is the complex assortment of post-acute sequelae commonly known as long COVID.
The symptoms of long COVID are associated with various organ systems apart from the pulmonary system, including the cardiovascular, endocrine, immune, nervous, gastrointestinal, and renal systems. Common manifestations of long COVID are fatigue, brain fog or cognitive impairments, and post-exertional malaise. Studies have also found that long COVID impacts individuals of all ages, across sexes, races, ethnicities, and health status at baseline.
Some variants of SARS-CoV-2, such as Delta, have a higher risk of long COVID than others, such as the Omicron variants. Furthermore, while coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccinations can lower the risk of long COVID, SARS-CoV-2 reinfections can also trigger long COVID. In the present review, the researchers examined the current research on the mechanisms and treatment options for long COVID and its impact.