"Previous research has described the broad clinical spectrum and prevalence of PCC,6,7 but evidence regarding its long-term trajectory and data of factors associated with persistent disease is limited. In a two-year follow-up study, Huang et al.8 found that a substantial proportion of patients continued to experience fatigue, dyspnea, and cognitive difficulties, indicating incomplete recovery even years after infection. However, most studies have focused on hospitalized or highly selected populations9 and have included relatively short observation periods10,11. Although population-based studies with longer follow-up have begun to emerge, evidence beyond the second year after infection remains limited3. More recent investigations have extended follow-up to 4 years and reported persistent functional impairments4, yet the mechanisms and early characteristics associated with long-term outcomes remain poorly understood. This knowledge gap limits the ability to identify individuals at increased risk of prolonged disease burden and to develop targeted strategies for long-term clinical follow-up and supportive care."