Emergence of Long COVID: Threat to Humanity Persists!

Abstract

The transition of COVID-19 from a pandemic to an endemic disease will result in the further spread of SARS-CoV-2 among the vulnerable populations, especially those who still remain unvaccinated. Thus, infections are destined to increase and the majority of humanity will become infected within a short span of time. As with most viral infections, post-infection sequelae are a reality for COVID too. In fact, it has already been observed that 10-20% of COVID patients who have fully recovered, go on to develop lingering symptoms that persist for a long period of time. This has been termed as long COVID or post-COVID condition. This underscores the fact that the danger still looms and we’re not out of the woods yet. The present review article highlights the major facets of long COVID and suggests possible remedial measures that could make it a thing of the past.