What is Long Covid?

Long COVID, also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), refers to a condition where individuals continue to experience lingering symptoms and health issues weeks, months, or even years after the acute phase of a COVID-19 infection has resolved. These persistent symptoms can include fatigue, difficulty concentrating (often referred to as "brain fog"), shortness of breath, and various other physical and cognitive challenges. Long COVID affects people across different age groups, regardless of the severity of their initial COVID-19 illness, and its exact causes and mechanisms are still being studied by researchers.

Additionally, individuals with long COVID may be at risk of developing other conditions like postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a disorder that affects the autonomic nervous system and can lead to symptoms such as rapid heart rate, dizziness, and fainting. The relationship between long COVID and the development of such secondary conditions is an area of ongoing research in the medical community.