Persistent Symptoms in Recovered Patient From Covid-19 and the Importance of Post-acute Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) Acute Respiratory Syndrome has spread around the world. Various persistent complications and symptoms, including various physical and mental disorders, have been observed in recovered and discharged patients. The purpose of this review article was to study the persistent symptoms in patients recovering from Covid-19 and the importance of rehabilitation in the post-acute phase. Methods: In this review study, related articles from databases including Google Scholar, PubMed, Medline, ScienceDirect, SID, Inlm, Web of Science, Scopus, Springer from 2019 to August 2021, were reviewed. The following keywords were also used in the article search process: Covid-19 (and similar) recovered, survivors, discharged, Persistent symptoms, consequences and post-acute. Results: A search of articles in databases identified 10,227 articles. After removing duplicate articles, articles in non-Persian and English languages, non-research articles and non- related articles, 61 articles were obtained that examined the persistent symptoms of recovered and discharged patients. The most persistent symptoms included dyspnea, fatigue and acquired weakness, psychological problems, and decreased quality of life. Conclusion: The results showed that due to the persistent symptoms and clinical condition of Covid-19 disease, motor and pulmonary rehabilitation is necessary for the recovering. These programs should be continued in specialized departments or through home rehabilitation with the aim of regaining motor skills and improving mental health.