Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 21, 2025

Author Spotlight: Advancements in Multiplex Detection of Respiratory Viruses
Published on: November 10, 2023
Epidemiology, clinical presentation, pathophysiology, and management of long COVID: an update
Sizhen Su1, Yimiao Zhao2,3, Na Zeng2,3
1Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, China.
Insights
Long COVID, a condition following SARS-CoV-2 infection, impacts multiple body systems. This review synthesizes its epidemiology, risk factors, and proposes management guidelines for better treatment and prevention.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
- Immunology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a rise in long COVID cases.
- Long COVID presents diverse symptoms affecting multiple organ systems.
- Definitions and understanding of long COVID vary globally.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize current knowledge on long COVID epidemiology, symptoms, and risk factors.
- To explore potential pathophysiological mechanisms and biomarkers for long COVID.
- To propose evidence-based guidelines for comprehensive long COVID management.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of published literature on long COVID.
- Analysis of epidemiological data, clinical symptoms, and identified risk factors.
- Synthesis of proposed pathophysiological mechanisms and diagnostic biomarkers.
Main Results:
- Long COVID affects immune, respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, neuropsychological, and musculoskeletal systems.
- Multiple risk factors contribute to the development of long COVID.
- Potential biomarkers and pathophysiological pathways are being investigated.
Conclusions:
- Comprehensive management strategies are needed for long COVID.
- Guidelines should encompass treatment, health systems, finance, and public attitudes.
- International cooperation is crucial for effective long COVID policy and care.
Abstract:
The increasing number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections have highlighted the long-term consequences of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection called long COVID. Although the concept and definition of long COVID are described differently across countries and institutions, there is general agreement that it affects multiple systems, including the immune, respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, neuropsychological, musculoskeletal, and other systems. This review aims to provide a synthesis of published epidemiology, symptoms, and risk factors of long COVID. We also summarize potential pathophysiological mechanisms and biomarkers for precise prevention, early diagnosis, and accurate treatment of long COVID. Furthermore, we suggest evidence-based guidelines for the comprehensive evaluation and management of long COVID, involving treatment, health systems, health finance, public attitudes, and international cooperation, which is proposed to improve the treatment strategies, preventive measures, and public health policy making of long COVID.
More Related Videos
08:05Lung CT Segmentation to Identify Consolidations and Ground Glass Areas for Quantitative Assesment of SARS-CoV Pneumonia
Published on: December 19, 2020
08:41Live Imaging and Quantification of Viral Infection in K18 hACE2 Transgenic Mice Using Reporter-Expressing Recombinant SARS-CoV-2
Published on: November 5, 2021
Related Concept Videos
COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Management
Smoking Cessation
Stages of Infection
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Nursing Management
Assessment