Severe Acute SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Long COVID: What Do We Know So Far? New Challenges in Diagnosis and Management

The study on long COVID involved 191 patients hospitalized for severe SARS-CoV-2 infection and found that many experienced persistent symptoms affecting multiple systems, including respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, and dermatological, for at least 6 months post-infection. Common symptoms were dyspnea, asthenia, myalgia, and psychiatric changes, with ongoing inflammation and immune dysregulation suggested as contributing factors. Laboratory tests showed abnormal inflammation markers and lipid profiles. The study emphasizes the systemic nature of long COVID and its impact on health systems, highlighting the need for further research into therapeutic strategies targeting inflammation and tailored treatment for affected individuals.