Long COVID: Prospective mechanisms, risk factors, and potential management strategies of post acute sequelae of COVID-19

Abstract

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which first appeared in Wuhan, China in December 2019. The disease quickly spread across the globe and resulted in a worldwide pandemic. As of April 2023, there have been 62,791,152 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 6,897,025 deaths globally. This paper discusses an overview of long COVID, also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), a condition that affects a large proportion of patients who have contracted COVID-19. The paper aims to present the current knowledge of long COVID, specifically its clinical presentation, potential underlying mechanisms, and risk factors. The paper will also discuss long COVID’s implication on individuals' physical, mental, and social well-being, as well as proper management of persistent symptoms. This paper aims to increase awareness and understanding of long COVID and to promote further research to develop effective management and treatment strategies for this medical condition