Long Covid Defined

This Sounding Board article presents the 2024 National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) definition of long Covid, developed through extensive stakeholder engagement and literature review. Long Covid is defined as an infection-associated chronic condition occurring after SARS-CoV-2 infection, lasting at least 3 months, and affecting one or more organ systems in a continuous, relapsing-remitting, or progressive manner. The article outlines the rationale, process, and terminology behind the definition, emphasizing its inclusivity, clinical applicability, and patient-centered language. It contrasts the NASEM definition with six prior definitions (CDC, NICE, WHO, OASH, RECOVER) and includes representative case vignettes illustrating the diversity and severity of long Covid. The authors advocate for widespread adoption of the definition to improve diagnosis, care, research, and disability assessment, while acknowledging limitations such as lack of biomarkers and diagnostic specificity.

This Sounding Board article presents the 2024 National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) definition of long Covid, developed through extensive stakeholder engagement and literature review. Long Covid is defined as an infection-associated chronic condition occurring after SARS-CoV-2 infection, lasting at least 3 months, and affecting one or more organ systems in a continuous, relapsing-remitting, or progressive manner. The article outlines the rationale, process, and terminology behind the definition, emphasizing its inclusivity, clinical applicability, and patient-centered language. It contrasts the NASEM definition with six prior definitions (CDC, NICE, WHO, OASH, RECOVER) and includes representative case vignettes illustrating the diversity and severity of long Covid. The authors advocate for widespread adoption of the definition to improve diagnosis, care, research, and disability assessment, while acknowledging limitations such as lack of biomarkers and diagnostic specificity.