Long-Term Effects of COVID-19: Understanding Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection (PASC).
1Dr Muhammad Malook Bugti, , 2Murad Zafar Marri ,3Dr.Bashir Ahmed, 4Mawra Khan, 5Shahzad Naeem, 6Ahmad Shahzad
Submission: 15 January 2026 | Acceptance: 29 January 2026 | Publication: 21 February 2026
1Demonstrator Community Medicine Jhalawan Medical College Khuzdar.
2Professor of Forensic Medicine, Jhalawan Medical College, Khuzdar.
3Assistant Professor,Community Medicine, Jhalawan Medical College Khuzdar.
4Service Hospital, Faisalabad.
5Gangaram Hospital, Lahore.
6PIMS, Islamabad.
ABSTRACT:
Background: The long-term effects of COVID-19, known as Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection (PASC), have gained significant attention in recent years. PASC encompasses a range of symptoms that persist after the acute phase of infection, affecting various systems of the body. Understanding the scope and impact of PASC is essential for improving patient care and management.
Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the long-term effects of COVID-19 on individuals who experienced mild to severe infection, focusing on the prevalence, severity, and impact of PASC on physical and mental health.
Methods: This was a prospective observational study conducted at Fauji Foundation Hospital from October 2023 to September 2024. A total of 80 individuals who had previously tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and recovered from the acute phase were included in the study. Participants were assessed for the presence of PASC symptoms, which included fatigue, shortness of breath, joint pain, cognitive impairment, and mental health issues. Follow-up evaluations were carried out at 3-month intervals using standardized questionnaires and clinical assessments.
Results: Among the 80 participants, 60% reported persistent symptoms after recovery, with fatigue (40%), joint pain (35%), and cognitive impairment (30%) being the most common complaints. Additionally, 25% of the participants experienced mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. These long-term symptoms were significantly associated with the severity of the initial COVID-19 infection. The majority of participants reported improvement in symptoms over time, although many continued to experience mild to moderate issues even at the 9-month follow-up.
Conclusion: The study confirmed that PASC is a significant concern for individuals recovering from COVID-19, with fatigue, joint pain, and cognitive impairment being prevalent. Although some symptoms improved over time, a subset of patients continued to experience ongoing effects. These findings highlight the need for long-term care strategies and further research into the management of PASC.
Keywords: COVID-19, Post-Acute Sequelae, SARS-CoV-2, Long-term effects, PASC, Fatigue, Cognitive impairment, Mental health, Joint pain, Recovery