Long-Term Health Effects of COVID-19

Since the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in early 2020, many individuals infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), have continued to experience lingering symptoms for months or even years following infection. Some symptoms can affect a person's ability to work or attend school for an extended period of time. Consequently, in 2022, the Social Security Administration requested that the National Academies convene a committee of relevant experts to investigate and provide an overview of the current status of diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of long-term health effects related to Long COVID. This report presents the committee conclusions.

Table of Contents

Front Matter Summary 1 Introduction 2 Diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 Infection 3 Selected Long-Term Health Effects Stemming from COVID-19 and Functional Implications 4 Global Functioning in Long COVID 5 Chronic Conditions Similar to Long COVID 6 Overall Conclusions Appendix A: Public Meeting Agendas Appendix B: Literature Search Strategies Appendix C: Biographical Sketches of Committee Members