Spectrum of Long COVID Symptoms and Management Approaches in Europe and Latin America

Abstract

Long COVID is a syndrome with common symptoms such as dyspnea, fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, chest pain, and other conditions that have a major impact on affected patients. These are some of the risk factors of fluctuating or relapsing states that occur in patients with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection of at least 2 months. This study addressed the challenges faced by healthcare professionals in defining and managing this condition, which manifests with diverse and inconsistent symptoms that last more than three months after infection. A systematic review of the literature over the period 2020-2023 has been conducted to focus on the evolution of the long COVID phenomenon worldwide. The study aimed to describe the spectrum of symptoms associated with Long COVID by comparing management approaches in European and Latin American countries. Disparities in research, guidelines, and treatment strategies between these regions have been identified, posing challenges for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment in Latin America. It is crucial to propose further studies and research on the mechanistic understanding of the symptoms of long COVID and the development of targeted treatments. Eventually, it is critical to address the wide disparities in long COVID research and treatment between Europe and Latin America to ensure equitable access to information and health care for people affected, considering both physical and mental health aspects.