Long COVID-19: Rethinking mental health

GALLEGOS, MIGUEL; PORTILLO, NELSON; MARTINO, PABLO; CERVIGNI, MAURICIO

CLINICS

HOSPITAL CLINICAS

Año: 2022 vol. 77 p. 1 - 2

1807-5932

As the pandemic enters its third year, the long-term effects of the SARS-CoV-2 virus infection on people's health are beginning to be better understood. In particular, scientists have identified several symptoms that are likely to persist for a few weeks or even months. These symptoms are not only physiological, pulmonary, cardiovascular, muscular, and the like, but also psychological, cognitive, and neuropsychiatric.1, 2, 3, 4 The World Health Organization provided a special classification of the disease in September 2020, and a clinical definition in October 2021.“Post COVID-19 condition occurs in individuals with a history of probable or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, usually 3-months from the onset of COVID-19 with symptoms that last for at least 2-months and cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis. Common symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, cognitive dysfunction but also others and generally have an impact on everyday functioning. Symptoms may be new-onset following initial recovery from an acute COVID-19 episode or persist from the initial illness. Symptoms may also fluctuate or relapse over time. A separate definition may be applicable for children”.5