POST-COVID SYNDROME: MULTISYSTEM IMPACTS AND INTEGRATIVE MANAGEMENT APPROACHES

Abstract

Long COVID, also called post-COVID syndrome, occurs in 10-30% of SARS-CoV-2 survivors and makes its presence felt in 5 to 10 organ systems as it persists in effect long after initial infections, causing considerable damage to quality of life. This systematic review was conducted based on published research from 2020 to 2025, including the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and integrative management of Long COVID. We discuss its effects on the respiratory and cardiovascular system, as well as the neurological, psychological, and gastrointestinal system, and its mechanisms, namely, immune dysregulation, microvascular dysfunction, chronic inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. The drug treatments, multidisciplinary rehabilitation, and lifestyle changes are assessed regarding their efficacy, availability, and shortcomings. Such issues as diagnostic uncertainty, healthcare disparity, and the lack of standardized protocols are highly evaluated, and future research priorities on these gaps are observed. Based on 25 peer-reviewed articles, this article offers a concise outline of the issues related to Long COVID care that include presenting standardized instructions, interdisciplinary cooperation, and innovative technologies to clinicians and researchers.