“Long Haulers”

Abstract

Post-COVID conditions continue to afflict patients long after acute severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS CoV-2) infection. Over 50 symptoms across multiple organ systems have been reported, with pulmonary, cardiovascular, and neuropsychiatric sequelae occurring most frequently. Multiple terms have been used to describe post-COVID conditions including long COVID, long-haul COVID, postacute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection, long-term effects of COVID, and chronic COVID-19; however, standardized assessments and treatment algorithms for patients have generally been lacking. This review discusses the epidemiology and risk factors for post-COVID conditions and provides a general overview of the diagnostic assessment and treatment of specific manifestations. Data derived from the multitude of observational studies and scientific investigations into pathogenesis are providing a clearer understanding of the distinct phenotypes of post-COVID conditions. Insight gained from these studies and ongoing interventional trials continues to lead to the development of clinical protocols directed toward improving COVID-19 survivors' quality of life and preventing or reducing long-term morbidity.

Aging and long COVID-19 syndrome: what’s new in 2023?

“…Efforts too to develop more standardized assessment and evaluation procedures are strongly indicated. 51,52 In the interim it can be assumed that a substantive proportion of older COVID-19 survivors may continue to incur post-COVID related albeit delayed and persistent adverse physical, mental and medical symptoms that reduce, rather than foster, longevity and life quality. These complaints are not merely signs of aging or emotional distress alone, and many older adults who already have multiple needs and who cannot take on a highly proactive approach to their recovery must hence warrant special attention.…”

SARS-CoV-2 Infection and the Male Reproductive System: A Brief Review

“…Overall, the testicular changes observed in patients who died with COVID-19 could negatively affect testicular function, both in terms of testosterone production and spermatogenesis, leading to male infertility. To our knowledge, no autoptic studies have explored whether some of the above described testicular changes are detectable even long after the previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, as already reported for multiple organ systems, additionally highlighting the importance of vaccination to counteract the severity of the damage [ 47 ].…”

In Silico Screening of Natural Flavonoids against 3-Chymotrypsin-like Protease of SARS-CoV-2 Using Machine Learning and Molecular Modeling

“…Also, growing evidence suggests that many people develop chronic conditions that persist for an uncertain period after SARS-CoV-2 infections, known as post-COVID conditions (PCCs), or long COVID syndrome [4,5]. This high-risk COVID-19 group was termed as the "long-haulers", who might experience various symptoms from light fatigue to severe neuropsychiatric symptoms [6,7]. Currently, long COVID syndrome has become the most worrisome challenge, with its mechanisms remaining unclear and insufficient treatment options available [8,9].…”