The Silent Syndrome of Long COVID and Gaps in Scientific Knowledge: A Narrative Review

This narrative review examines the complexities and gaps in understanding Long COVID (LC), a condition affecting 10-20% of those infected with SARS-CoV-2. It highlights the persistence of symptoms such as fatigue, dyspnea, and cognitive dysfunction, impacting multiple organ systems. The review emphasizes the need for standardized diagnostic criteria and further research into the pathophysiology, genetic factors, and the influence of viral strains and vaccination on LC. It also discusses the socioeconomic and psychological consequences of LC, the potential role of inflammatory biomarkers, and the challenges in diagnosing LC due to symptom overlap with other conditions.