The WHO officially defines persistent COVID-19 as a disease: what symptoms does it present?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has published the first official clinical definition of the disease ‘postCOVID-19’, also called COVID-19 persistent, agreed after a global consultation and which aims to facilitate the treatment of patients.

This pathology usually appears. “The symptoms last at least two months and cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis”, Dr. Janet Díaz, WHO’s chief of clinical management, has explained.

Most COVID-19 patients make a full recovery, although some do “Long-term effects on your body, on the pulmonary, cardiovascular and nervous systems, as well as psychological effects.” These effects can occur regardless of the initial severity of the infection and in middle-aged people and in those who initially showed more symptoms.

Long-term symptoms of COVID-19

This is the complete definition of persistent COVID-19, according to the WHO: “PostCOVID-19 condition occurs in individuals with a history of probable or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, usually three months after the onset of COVID-19 with symptoms lasting at least two months that cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis. The most common symptoms are , but there can also be other symptoms that usually affect the daily functioning of the patient. Symptoms may be new onset, after initial recovery from an acute episode of COVID-19, or may persist from the onset of the disease. Symptoms can also fluctuate or there may be relapses over time. For children, another definition may apply ”.

Until now, the lack of clarity among healthcare professionals about the disease has complicated efforts to advance research and treatment. For this reason, the United Nations international health organization decided

In her speech at the UN headquarters in Geneva, Dr. Díaz explained that the symptoms include but also others that generally affect daily functioning ”.

“Symptoms can be new, after the initial recovery from an acute episode; Or, they may persist from the onset of the disease. In addition, the symptoms can also fluctuate or there may be relapses over time ”, has added.

Dr. Díaz has described the new definition as “An important step forward” to standardize the recognition of patients with this condition and has stated that the WHO hopes that “it will help medical and health personnel to recognize patients and begin with the appropriate treatments and interventions and be clear about the paths to take.” “We hope that policy makers and health systems establish and to attend to these patients ”, has riveted.

What Causes Persistent COVID-19?

Although there are several tests to detect the initial COVID-19 infection, there are none to detect this later condition, and

“Is it the viral persistence, or is there microthrombosis or a problem with the vascular system?” Dr. Díaz has asked herself, outlining some of the ideas that scientists who carry out research in this field are considering. “Or, are there autoimmunity problems? Or and what is causing some of the symptoms? ”, it is finished.

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