Health Complications in Patients Recovering from COVID-19: A Narrative Review of Post-COVID Syndrome

Abstract

Introduction: Due to the unprecedented health and economic complications resulting from COVID-19, the coronavirus pandemic is currently a leading global health concern. COVID-19 poses significant health risks, life-threatening clinical conditions, and even mortality in affected individuals. Several associated complications have also arisen as a result of COVID-19, including mass hospitalization, the need for invasive ventilation and intensive care unit (ICU) support, delayed recovery from infection, and post-recovery health issues. Furthermore, the pandemic itself has created enormous panic, which in turn affects the mental health of COVID-19 patients, individuals who have recovered from the disease, and the general population. Just over a year has now passed since the beginning of the global COVID-19 pandemic and in this time, over 110 million individuals have been infected worldwide. Post-infection recovery times and long-term complications are now becoming more apparent. Especially physical and mental health complications arising from post-COVID-19-infection, which prevent a return to a healthy lifestyle and everyday routine remain a critical issue. Objective: The primary objective of this narrative review is to address this clinically relevant issue and overview the health complications commonly observed in individuals who have recovered from COVID-19. Methods: An investigation was performed on online databases for relevant articles from 2020 until January 2021. Key index words used in search were post-covid, myalgia, fatigue, pain. Results: Fatigue, myalgia (i.e., muscle pain), sleep disruptions, and mental health issues (e.g., anxiety and depression) are among the most reported post-recovery symptoms in patients recovering from the disease. The etiology and potential management of these health complications are discussed, considering recently published findings from COVID-19 patients as well as previous studies focusing on complications arising from other related pandemics. Conclusion: Patients who have recovered from COVID-19 should be evaluated for signs of fatigue, muscle pain, mental health difficulties, and sleeping difficulties regardless of disease severity. Based on this review of the literature, complete clinical and psychiatric evaluation, and the use of validated indicators of the severity of COVID-19 disease, symptoms are recommended to develop efficient health management approaches that meet patients' needs.