Abstract
Objectives: To determine post-COVID-19 complications after recovery and
investigate the reported cases of re-infection. Methods: The researchers
systematically reviewed three databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, and
Word Health Organization (WHO) COVID-19 database looking for studies
reported post-COVID-19 complications and COVID-19 reinfection. The
search was conducted between November 21, 2020 and January 14, 2021.
Inclusion criteria were articles written in English and had primary
data. The studies reported the complications of COVID-19 after full
recovery were included. Case reports were only included in the COVID-19
reinfection section. Results: The review included 69 studies related to
post-COVID-19 complications and 13 case studies related to COVID-19
reinfection. Thirty-six studies reported post-cure respiratory
complications including dyspnea to residual pulmonary fibrosis. Cardiac
symptoms were reported in nine studies including palpitation, chest pain
and diastolic dysfunction. Neurological complications included
post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD), anxiety, depression, memory
issues, insomnia and sleeping disturbance, cognitive impairments, and
stigma. Gastrointestinal symptoms included nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea,
and acute liver injury. Physical decline was the most common symptom
reported in the musculoskeletal complications. Thirteen cases COVID-19
reinfection from nine countries were reported. Four patients had severe
symptoms in the second infection while the symptoms of nine patient
ranged from mild to moderate. The time taken for the reinfection ranged
from 26 days to 145 days. Conclusion: COVID-19 may cause several types
of complications after recovery. Lung abnormalities, neurological
complications, and exercise intolerance were frequently identified
complications among COVID-19 survivors. Reinfection can occur among
COVID-19 survivors. Thus, COVID-19 may need long-term follow-up and
should take preventive measures to prevent the reinfection.