POST-COVID SYNDROME: PREVALENCE, COURSE FORMS, DIAGNOSTIC ASPECTS

Abstract

Post-COVID syndrome also known as long COVID refers to symptoms persisting for more than three weeks after the diagnosis of COVID-19. We reviewed the current evidence on post-COVID syndrome, focusing on its clinical manifestations and addressing the challenges for its management in primary healthcare. The incidence of post-COVID syndrome is estimated at 10–35%, while for hospitalized patients it may reach 85%. Fatigue is the most common symptom reported in 17.5–72% of post-COVID cases, followed by residual dyspnea with an incidence ranging from 10–40%. Mental problems, chest pain, and olfactory and gustatory dysfunction may affect up to 26, 22 and 11% of patients, respectively.