Global surveillance, research, and collaboration needed to improve understanding and management of long COVID, 2021, Ward et al

The scale of chronic ill health and disability after COVID-19 has been described as the next big global health challenge.1
Prevalence estimates of a post-COVID-19 condition, long COVID, or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 vary according to definition, methodology, and population. A recent systematic review reported persistent symptoms at 3–6 months in a median of 57% (range 13–92) of hospitalised patients (six studies) and 26% (2–62) of non-hospitalised patients (ten studies).2 This study and other reviews identified few studies from low-income settings,3 but with more than 245 million SARS-CoV-2 infections reported globally,4 millions of people are likely to already be experiencing long-term illness. While COVID-19 vaccines have reduced the risk of severe COVID-19 and death, continued high rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection will lead to further disability, having a huge impact on individuals, their families, health services, and society.

Patients coined the unifying term long COVID, 5
but there is not yet a health professional consensus definition or nomenclature. In October, 2021, WHO used a Delphi method to develop a clinical definition of post-COVID-19 condition as a range of symptoms occurring 3 or more months after probable or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection that last for at least 2 months, cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis, generally have an impact on daily functioning, and may fluctuate or relapse over time.6 A separate definition is recommended for children.6 Other definitions use different time frames and terminology,7, 8 but remain difficult to apply in research and clinical management.

Open access, https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(21)02444-2/fulltext

 

From the paper,

"Previous diagnoses of exclusion, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome, are now better defined than in the past, meaning patients are more able to obtain acknowledgment, treatment, sick pay, or insurance."

I'll just sit back and enjoy all of my "acknowledgment, treatment, sick pay, or insurance"...