Evolving perspectives on long COVID : insights on pathogenesis, risk factors, and strategic management

Abstract

Long COVID is a medical condition that occurs when people experience symptoms that last long after they have recovered from acute COVID-19 infection. These symptoms can vary widely and impact multiple organ systems, with varying levels of intensity. Although the underlying pathophysiology is not yet well understood, it is believed to involve a complex interplay between the immune system, viral persistence, and other factors. Several risk factors can contribute to the development of long COVID, such as older age, preexisting medical comorbidities, and the severity of the acute COVID-19 infection. Clarifying the underlying pathophysiology and risk factors associated with long COVID is important to develop effective prevention and management strategies. This review aims to summarize existing data on the pathogenesis and risk factors of long COVID, the challenges of diagnosing and managing long COVID and highlights the need for further research to improve our understanding of this complex condition.