Long Covid Analyzed: A Systematic Review Comparing Adults Affected by Long Covid to Adults without Persistent Symptoms

Long Covid Analyzed: A Systematic Review Comparing Adults Affected by Long Covid to Adults without Persistent Symptoms

Alvin Sherman Library

Over one-hundred million Americans were diagnosed with COVID-19, resulting in over one million deaths so far. Long COVID is defined as a chronic condition that presents a wide range of conditions occurring after SARS-CoV-2 infection and is present for at least three months. Since there is no definite test for Long Covid, many individuals may not know that they have this illness. Therefore, it is imperative within the Public Health field to synthesize current research to generate meaningful interventions and preventive practices. The research question is "What is the symptom spectrum like clusters, burden, for adults eighteen or older diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection for at least three months, and what are the demographical and distinguishable characteristics that separate their diagnosis from non-Long Covid." A descriptive systematic review of literature published within the last five years will be considered. The analysis will only focus on studies that have data about adults from the US, not globally. Literature sources will be from credible sources like PubMed/Medline and Google Scholar. Studies will be screened that involve symptoms, diagnosis, symptom burdens, and more of those experiencing Long COVID, and those who experience COVID without continued symptoms. Data will be extracted into RedCap for summarization. Currently, the review is ongoing and needs further approval for the results and conclusion. This study's findings can be used to stress the need for disease surveillance and to support policies that increase funding for epidemiological research.