It is important that there is more clarity about post-COVID, according to the Health Council in an advisory report requested by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport.
Post-COVID occurs in a subset of individuals who have had COVID-19 and presents with symptoms that can last for a long time, such as fatigue, shortness of breath, sleeping problems or concentration or memory problems. Estimates of the number of people with post-COVID vary, but it seems to be a sizeable group. Although much scientific research has been published, there is still insufficient clarity about post-COVID.
The council notes an important degree of similarity between post-COVID and other post-acute infection syndromes (PAIS). There is substantial overlap in symptom profiles and potential underlying mechanisms. Moreover, for both post-COVID and the other PAIS, valid diagnostic tests and curative treatment are lacking.
Post-COVID and the other PAIS can have a major impact on people's lives. According to the council, post-COVID and the other PAIS should therefore be recognised as important health problems. This means that the symptoms and their consequences for daily life are taken seriously.
The council recommends focusing on a long-term research programme into post-COVID and other PAIS. The council also recommends evaluation of care for post-COVID, organisation of care in regional networks, better registration of post-COVID and other PAIS in clinical practice and good knowledge exchange.