Unveiling Long COVID: General Perceptions and Challenges for Diagnosis and Management

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, raising global health concerns. Reports of persistent and new symptoms following the acute phase of infection highlighted the complexities of recovery and prompted the investigation of what is now termed long COVID. Officially recognized by the WHO in October 2021, long COVID presents various health implications, though terminology—such as post-COVID syndrome and post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC)—remains inconsistent, complicating diagnostic standardization. Long COVID affects an estimated 10% to 30% of SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals, with common symptoms including fatigue, dyspnea, cognitive dysfunction, and joint pain, all of which significantly impair quality of life. Public perception is influenced by factors like education and health history, while misinformation and stigma hinder accurate diagnosis and treatment. The absence of biomarkers and overlap with other post-viral syndromes further complicate clinical recognition. Experts emphasize the need for refined diagnostic criteria and integrated strategies combining biomedical research, public policy, and educational initiatives to improve clinical management, address healthcare inequalities, and mitigate the impacts of long COVID. This review unveils state of art and knowledge gaps to raise discussion leading to better clinical decision-making and public awareness related to long COVID.