On 6th October the WHO published a clinical case definition of post COVID-19 condition. The organisation acknowledges that the definition may change as new evidence emerges and that its understanding of the consequences of COVID-19 continues to evolve.
Table 3 of the document summarises the criteria
Post COVID-19 condition occurs in individuals with
- a history of probable or confirmed SARS CoV-2 infection,
- usually 3 months from the onset of COVID-19
- with symptoms and that last for at least 2 months and cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis.
- Common symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, cognitive dysfunction but also others and generally have an impact on everyday functioning.
- Symptoms may be new onset following initial recovery from an acute COVID-19 episode or persist from the initial illness.
- Symptoms may also fluctuate or relapse over time.
