Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome

Patients who have recovered from the acute phase of a COVID-19 infection (i.e., who no longer test positive), but who continue to experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, memory loss, difficulty sleeping, attention disorder, significant hair loss, cough, loss of smell, chest pain, joint pain, loss of taste, diarrhea, or new or worsening difficulty completing activities of daily living. Patients may as well (or instead) have been emotionally affected by the illness and have sought care for mental health following discharge. Brain fog is among the most confusing symptoms for these patients, who report being unusually forgetful, confused or unable to concentrate even enough to watch TV. Some have reported feeling better for days or even weeks and then relapsing. For others, it's a case of just not feeling like themselves. The condition can affect anyone, regardless of age, previous health status, or the mildness or severity of the COVID infection. Studies estimate that about 10% of COVID-19 patients end up facing long-term symptoms. The scientific name assigned to the condition is Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection (PASC).