Prolonged COVID-19 Symptoms Now Have a Clear Definition and Over 200 Potential Manifestations
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) have proposed a new definition for long COVID, aiming to bring long-awaited clarity to the condition. The lack of consensus regarding long COVID's definition has posed numerous issues, particularly for those affected, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates 17.8% of US adults have experienced long COVID.
In an attempt to address this problem, the committee authoring the report consulted over 1,300 participants, including patients, caregivers, advocacy groups, healthcare professionals, researchers, and those involved in the health industry. The proposed definition is as follows: "Long COVID (LC) is an infection-associated chronic condition that occurs after SARS-CoV-2 infection and is present for at least three months as a continuous, relapsing and remitting, or progressive disease state that affects one or more organ systems."
Notably, the definition does not specify any required symptoms or those that would exclude a diagnosis. The authors acknowledge that long COVID's onset may occur weeks or even months after recovery, making the three-month period proposed flexible.
Symptoms linked with long COVID are diverse and can affect numerous organs. These may include, but are not limited to, fatigue, cognitive impairment, shortness of breath, difficulty concentrating, post-exertional malaise, cardiovascular issues, anxiety, mood disorders, and changes in taste or smell.
NASEM's report encourages regular reviews of the definition, acknowledging that our understanding of long COVID evolves as new research emerges. Harvey Fineberg, chair of the report's authoring committee, stated, "Our committee hopes this single definition, crafted with input from across research and patient communities, will help to educate the public about this widespread and highly consequential disease state."
The report can be accessed here [link]. The wide-ranging symptoms of long COVID and its potential impact on multiple organ systems underscore the need for further research and support for those affected by the condition.
- The proposed definition for long COVID, by NASEM, includes it as an infection-associated chronic condition persisting for at least three months and affecting one or more organ systems.
- The diverse symptoms of long COVID can impact various organs, such as fatigue, cognitive impairment, shortness of breath, cardiovascular issues, anxiety, mood disorders, changes in taste or smell, and difficulty concentrating.
- NASEM's report on long COVID encourages regular reviews of the definition, as understanding of the condition evolves with emerging research.
- The new definition for long COVID was developed with input from patients, caregivers, advocacy groups, healthcare professionals, researchers, and those involved in the health industry.
- Long COVID can have a significant impact on multiple organ systems, emphasizing the necessity for continued research, support, and focus in the area of health and wellness, including fitness and exercise, and mental health.
- The onset of long COVID's symptoms may occur weeks or even months after recovery, making the proposed three-month period flexible for diagnosis.
