Post-COVID Conditions

Abstract

Postinfectious syndromes have been described since the Spanish influenza pandemic of 1918. A similar syndrome-post-COVID condition (PCC)-is common; it occurs months after COVID-19 infection and involves fatigue, postexertional malaise, dyspnea, memory loss, diffuse pain, and orthostasis. The medical, psychosocial, and economic impact of PCC is immense. In the United States, PCC has caused widespread unemployment and billions in lost wages. Risk factors for development of PCC are female sex and severity of acute COVID-19 infection. Proposed pathophysiologic mechanisms include central nervous system inflammation, viral reservoirs, persistent spike protein, cell receptor dysregulation, and autoimmunity. Because presenting symptoms are often vague, the approach to evaluation should be comprehensive with consideration of other diseases that could masquerade as PCC. Treatments of PCC are little researched, are largely expert based, and are likely to evolve as more evidence emerges. Current therapies, which are symptom targeted, include medications and nonpharmacologic therapies such as optimizing fluid intake, compression garments, progressive activity, meditation, biofeedback, cognitive rehabilitation, and addressing concomitant mood disorders. Many patients will enjoy significant improvements in their quality of life with multimodal treatments and longitudinal care.