Post-COVID was declared a “disease” by the WHO

For the first time, the World Health Organization (WHO) published the official clinical definition of the ‘post-COVID-19’ disease, agreed after a global consultation.

“The emerging disease, which is also called” long-term COVID-19, “is contracted by people who have had confirmed or probable coronavirus infections,” the organization explained.

They usually appear “normally three months after the start of COVID-19. The symptoms last at least two months and cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis ”, explained Dr. Janet Díaz, head of clinical management at the UN agency.

The lack of clarity among health specialists regarding the disease complicated efforts to advance research and treatment. Therefore, the health agency decided to define the standardized clinical case worldwide.

By publishing the definition, the health agency also points out that the majority of patients suffering from COVID-19 make a full recovery, although some suffer “long-term effects on your body, lung, cardiovascular and nervous systems, as well as psychological effects”.

Dr. Díaz described the new definition as “an important step forward” to standardize the recognition of patients with this condition and stated that the UN agency hopes that it will “help medical and health personnel to recognize patients and begin with appropriate treatments and interventions and to be clear about the paths to take ”.

Next, we share the complete Post-COVID-19 definition:

“Post-COVID-19 condition occurs in individuals with a history of probable or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, usually three months after the onset of COVID-19 with symptoms lasting at least two months and unable to explained by an alternative diagnosis. The most common symptoms are fatigue, shortness of breath and cognitive dysfunction, but other symptoms can also occur that usually affect the daily functioning of the patient. Symptoms may be new onset, after initial recovery from an acute episode of COVID-19, or may persist from the onset of the disease. Symptoms can also fluctuate or there may be relapses over time. For children, another definition may apply ”. (I)