Is Long COVID-19?

Abstract

Background: What is the definition of Long COVID-19? What are its currently acknowledged symptoms? As this is a new condition suspected to be evolving as a potentially post-Pandemic new disease, it becomes relevant to clarify the current definitions of Long COVID-19. The article puts together the most recent definitions and briefly discusses points of common understanding and points of uncertainty. Objectives: The main aim of the article is to clarify the definitions and symptoms of Long COVID-19 as international evidence defines them. This is relevant to support health professionals and interested parties to access a structured clarification of the disease at this stage of knowledge. Supporting evidence-based intervention is the fundamental objective of the article. Methods: The Rapid Literature Review is a form of evidence synthesis that provides timely information for decision making and evidence-based practice compared with standard systematic reviews. The review used the following sources: Web of Science and PubMed,. The Search used the keywords ‘Long Covid-19’, ‘Definitions’ and ‘Symptoms’ and limited to articles published between January 2021 and June 2022. There were two reviewers to select articles based on the inclusion/exclusion criteria (keywords defined and time span of publications). Both reviewers appraised critically and rigorously within the criteria defined and a summary was produced. Results: Six articles were identified as relevant for the objectives of this article. These were individually evaluated on the contribution to clarifying definitions and symptoms of Long COVID-19. Definitions seem to follow the initial definition made available in a publication from World Health Organization. However, the follow-up articles seem to add additional interpretations and associated symptoms. Main Contribution to Evidence-Based Practice: The article puts together the recent evolution of the definition of Long COVID-19 and associated symptoms to support clinical decision-making and evidence-based practice.