A Meta-Meta-Analysis of Post-COVID Symptoms: Unveiling the Persistent Burden of Long COVID

The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic extends far beyond the acute phase of infection, with millions experiencing persistent symptoms collectively termed "post-COVID syndrome" or "long COVID." This article presents a meta-meta-analysis synthesizing findings from multiple systematic reviews and meta-analyses to explore the prevalence, nature, and implications of post-COVID symptoms. Fatigue, cognitive impairment, and dyspnea emerge as the most consistently reported symptoms, with prevalence rates varying widely across populations and settings. This analysis highlights the heterogeneity in research, the challenges in defining long COVID, and the urgent need for standardized approaches to address this ongoing public health challenge.