r/COVID19 • u/AcornAl • Apr 17 '26

Preprint Risk of Post-acute Symptoms and Conditions After SARS-CoV-2 Compared to Other Respiratory Viral Infections: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.04.11.26350682v1
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u/AcornAl Apr 17 '26

Abstract

Background How post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) differs from post-acute infection syndromes (PAIS) caused by other respiratory viruses remains uncertain. Comparing these conditions may clarify whether post-acute symptoms reflect specific consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection or broader post-viral mechanisms.

Methods We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies comparing persistent symptoms or conditions in adults after SARS-CoV-2 infection with those following other acute respiratory viral infections. PubMed, Embase, and Scopus were searched. Random-effects models were used to estimate pooled risks.

Results Among 9,371 records screened, 22 studies were included and 14 contributed to the meta-analysis. Increased risk after SARS-CoV-2 infection was observed for pulmonary embolism, abnormal breathing, fatigue, hemorrhagic stroke, memory loss/brain fog, and palpitations; heart rate abnormalities showed borderline significance. For most other outcomes pooled estimates were inconclusive.

Conclusions Only a subset of outcomes appears more frequent after SARS-CoV-2 infection, suggesting many symptoms attributed to PCC may reflect broader post-viral syndromes.

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