Effect of Long COVID-19: Self-Reported Questionnaires and Objective Olfactory and Gustatory Evaluations

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Immunology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Long COVID-19 presents persistent symptoms post-SARS-CoV-2 infection, including fatigue, cognitive impairment, and chemosensory dysfunction.
• Pathophysiological mechanisms of Long COVID-19 remain poorly understood.
• Olfactory and gustatory alterations are common but require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• Evaluate the prevalence, distribution, and evolution of Long COVID-19 symptoms.
• Focus on olfactory and gustatory alterations in post-acute phases.
• Correlate subjective reports with objective chemosensory assessments.

Main Methods:

• Observational study with 798 participants experiencing persistent symptoms (>4-8 weeks) post-SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• Utilized structured online questionnaires for demographic and clinical data.
• Subgroup underwent objective olfactory (Sniffin' Sticks) and gustatory (Taste Strips) assessments.

Main Results:

• High prevalence of persistent symptoms including fatigue, dyspnea, cognitive impairment, and chemosensory alterations.
• Olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions were frequent, confirmed by objective testing.
• Symptom evolution suggests potential central nervous system involvement and persistent inflammation.

Conclusions:

• Long COVID-19 is a multisystem condition impacting quality of life.
• Chemosensory dysfunctions can serve as clinical markers for monitoring and stratification.
• Integrating subjective and objective data enhances diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic development.