Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 23, 2026

Development of Multiplex Real-Time RT-qPCR Assays for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A/B, and MERS-CoV
Published on: November 10, 2023
Risk of Post-acute Symptoms and Conditions After SARS-CoV-2 Compared to Other Respiratory Viral Infections: A
Tomaz Fonseca Pinto1, Andrea Santoro2, Ana Laura Grossi de Oliveira1
1Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Background:
How post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) differs from post-acute infection syndromes (PAIS) caused by other respiratory viruses remains uncertain. Comparing these conditions may clarify whether post-acute symptoms reflect specific consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection or broader post-viral mechanisms.
Methods:
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies comparing persistent symptoms or conditions in adults after SARS-CoV-2 infection with those following other acute respiratory viral infections. PubMed, Embase, and Scopus were searched. Random-effects models were used to estimate pooled risks.
Results:
Among 9,371 records screened, 22 studies were included and 14 contributed to the meta-analysis. Increased risk after SARS-CoV-2 infection was observed for pulmonary embolism, abnormal breathing, fatigue, hemorrhagic stroke, memory loss/brain fog, and palpitations; heart rate abnormalities showed borderline significance. For most other outcomes pooled estimates were not significantly more frequent than in other acute respiratory viral infections.
Conclusions:
Our findings support the concept of PCC as one example within the broader spectrum of PAIS, underscoring the need to recognize these conditions after non-COVID respiratory viral infections and to further investigate shared and pathogen-specific mechanisms.
Related Concept Videos
Coronavirus
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease
Pneumonia I: Introduction
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Pneumonia I: Introduction
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology