Persistent symptoms >12 weeks after acute COVID-19 not explained by alternative diagnosis.
History taking
- • Fatigue, breathlessness, cognitive issues, palpitations, chest pain
Examination
- • General: vitals, pallor, icterus, oedema, lymphadenopathy
- • Focused system examination
- • Look for red-flag findings
Red flags
- • Haemodynamic instability
- • Rapid deterioration
- • Severe pain or new neurological deficit
Differential diagnosis
- • See differentials section per chief complaint
Recommended investigations
- • CBC, CRP, ferritin, D-dimer, TFT, BNP, CXR, ECG as guided
Diagnosis
- • Clinical diagnosis supported by targeted investigations
Initial treatment / management
- • Multidisciplinary: pacing, pulmonary / cardiac rehab, mental health support
Follow-up advice
- • Review in 2–4 weeks or earlier if worsening
- • Monitor response to therapy and adverse effects
Patient counselling
- • Explain diagnosis and natural course in lay terms
- • Red-flag symptoms warranting urgent return
- • Adherence to medications and follow-up
Referral criteria
- • Refer if diagnostic uncertainty, complications, or failure of first-line therapy
References
- • Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 21e
- • NICE / WHO guidelines (current edition)
Educational outpatient guide — verify against local guidelines before clinical use.
