Research-Aid Networks

Vicky van der Togt1* and Jeremy S. Rossman1,2* 1Research-Aid Networks, Chicago, IL, United States 2School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom The mechanism of Long Covid (Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19; PASC) is currently unknown, with no validated diagnostics or therapeutics. SARS-CoV-2 can cause disseminated infections that result in multi-system tissue damage, dysregulated inflammation, and cellular metabolic disruptions.

Introduction It is estimated that 15% of people infected with SARS-CoV-2 have long-term post-acute symptoms, known as PASC or ‘Long Covid’ (1), with higher rates seen in women, hospitalized individuals and those with underlying metabolic disorders (1–3). To qualify as PASC, symptoms must last a minimum of two months, and often include a wide range of variable symptoms. PASC can affect all ages and can occur after even mild infections.

To the Editor — Long COVID support groups began as a patient-led movement, providing safe spaces for patients (including children and their parents and caregivers) to discuss the disease and collectively advocate for awareness, research and support. However, in many groups, individuals and organizations have been promoting experimental treatments, ongoing clinical trials and for-profit treatment plans (examples are included in Table 1).