Table 1.

Post-COVID-19 syndrome. Definition and diagnostic criteria proposed by the British National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.

- Signs and symptoms that develop during or after an infection consistent with COVID-19, continue for more than 12 weeks, and are not explained by an alternative diagnosis.

- It usually presents with clusters of symptoms, often overlapping, which can fluctuate and change over time and can affect any system in the body, including the cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, nervous, musculoskeletal, endocrine, and urinary systems, as well as dermatological, otorhinolaryngological, haematological, and psychiatric symptoms, and other non-specific symptoms including generalised pain, fatigue, and/or persistent fever.

- Diagnosis does not require history of PCR-confirmed COVID-19.

- Diagnosis may be considered before 12 weeks while the possibility of an alternative underlying disease is also being assessed.

Adapted from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines.⁸