![]() ![]() A basic panel of laboratory tests might be considered for patients with ongoing symptoms (including testing for non-COVID-19-related conditions that may be contributing to illness) to assess for conditions that may respond to treatment ( Table 1a).Laboratory testing should be guided by the patient history, physical examination, and clinical findings. ongoing viral activity associated with an intra-host viral reservoirīefore ordering laboratory testing for Post-COVID Conditions, the goals of testing should be clear to the healthcare professional and to the patient.complications from a dysregulated inflammatory state.organ damage resulting from acute phase infection.Researchers are working to characterize and differentiate the multiple possible etiologies, such as Post-COVID Conditions are heterogeneous and may be attributable to different underlying pathophysiologic processes. ![]() It is also possible that some patients with Post-COVID Conditions will not have had positive test results for SARS-CoV-2 because of a lack of testing or inaccurate testing during the acute period, or because of waning antibody levels or false-negative antibody testing during follow up. Alternative reasons for health problems need to be considered, such as other diagnoses, unmasking of pre-existing health conditions, or even SARS-CoV-2 reinfection. It can be difficult to distinguish symptoms caused by Post-COVID Conditions from symptoms that occur for other reasons. Some of these types of conditions were also reported in patients following severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), two other life-threatening illnesses resulting from coronavirus infections. Some presentations may share similarities with other post-infectious syndromes, such as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and other forms of dysautonomia, or mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). social, environmental, and economic stressors caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.physical and mental health consequences of illness with a long or complicated disease course, including depression and anxiety.physical deconditioning at baseline or after a prolonged acute disease course that can be nonspecific to COVID-19.pre-COVID comorbidities ( underlying medical conditions).worsening of pre-existing symptoms or conditionsįactors that may further complicate the presentation of Post-COVID Conditions include:.an evolution of symptoms and conditions that include some persistent symptoms (e.g., shortness of breath) with the addition of new symptoms or conditions over time (e.g., cognitive difficulties).new-onset signs, symptoms, or conditions following asymptomatic disease or a period of acute symptom relief or remission.persistent symptoms and conditions that begin at the time of acute COVID-19 illness.The approach to caring for patients with Post-COVID Conditions will likely change over time as evidence accumulates.ĭifferent onset patterns for Post-COVID Conditions have been identified that further exemplify their heterogeneity, including: Understanding of Post-COVID Conditions remains incomplete.A comprehensive management plan focusing on improving physical, mental, and social well-being may be helpful for some patients. Healthcare providers and patients are encouraged to set achievable goals through shared decision-making, and to approach treatment by focusing on specific symptoms (e.g., headache) or conditions (e.g., dysautonomia).Objective laboratory or imaging findings should not be used as the only measure or assessment of a patient’s well-being normal laboratory or imaging findings do not invalidate the existence, severity, or importance of a patient’s Post-COVID symptoms or Conditions.Based on current information, many Post-COVID Conditions can be managed by primary care providers, using patient-centered approaches to optimize the quality of life and function of affected patients.The term “Post-COVID Conditions” is an umbrella term for the wide range of physical and mental health consequences experienced by some patients that are present four or more weeks after SARS-CoV-2 infection, including by patients who had initial mild or asymptomatic acute infection.
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