Multidisciplinary collaborative guidance on the assessment and treatment of patients with Long COVID: A compendium statement.

Observed Findings

• Long COVID prevalence is estimated at 6% globally, with higher prevalence in female patients, certain racial and ethnic groups, and individuals in nonurban areas.
• Common Long COVID symptoms include exaggerated fatigue with diminished energy windows, postexertional malaise/symptom exacerbation, cognitive impairment, dysautonomia, pain/myalgias, and smell/taste alterations.
• No single laboratory finding definitively diagnoses or rules out Long COVID; diagnosis requires clinical assessment.
• Long COVID is recognized as a potential disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Over 40 Long COVID centers contributed to the collaborative development of this guidance.

Inferred Conclusions

• Long COVID requires holistic, multisystem assessment and symptom-based management rather than single-biomarker diagnosis.
• Clinicians must carefully tailor physical activity recommendations to avoid triggering postexertional malaise and worsening outcomes.
• Validation of patient experiences and shared decision-making are critical components of care, particularly given prior dismissal of symptoms by healthcare providers.
• Workplace accommodations and potential disability support are necessary interventions for many Long COVID patients experiencing functional limitations.

Remaining Questions