Persistent Symptoms in Patients Post-Acute COVID 19 Infection

Abstract

Introduction: Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) are symptoms that persist following acute COVID-19 infection and can include respiratory, neurological, psychological and systemic symptoms that last for several months after recovery.

Objective: To identify the frequency, pattern, and severity of symptoms that persist after acute COVID-19 infection and the clinical features of the post-acute recovery phase.

Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at Department of Medicine, Akhter Saeed Medical College, Rawalpindi, during the period of May, 2025 to October, 2025. Patients were evaluated using a structured questionnaire and clinical examination, including adult patients with a history of COVID-19 infection who had been suffering from symptoms for more than four weeks.

Results: The most common symptom was fatigue (65.6%), followed by dyspnea (46.1%), sleep disturbance (38.3%), difficulty concentrating (33.9%), and headache (31.7%) among 180 participants. In 27.8% of patients, symptoms continued for more than 24 weeks. Patients who had severe acute COVID-19 were more likely to have multiple persistent symptoms.

Conclusion: Post-COVID symptoms can be long-term and can significantly extend recovery, highlighting the need for follow-up and a multidisciplinary approach.