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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 with 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.
Objectives:
How post-COVID-19 condition differs from post-acute infection syndromes 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 9371 records screened, 22 studies were included, and 14 contributed to the meta-analysis. Increased risks after SARS-CoV-2 infection were 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 did not indicate significantly higher risks than those after other acute respiratory viral infections.
Conclusion:
Our findings support the concept of post-COVID-19 condition as one example within the broader spectrum of post-acute infection syndromes, underscoring the need to recognize these conditions after non-COVID respiratory viral infections and to further investigate shared and pathogen-specific mechanisms.
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