Peluso, Hanson, and Deeks present a compelling Viewpoint in Science Translational Medicine, exploring infection-associated chronic conditions (IACCs). The article begins by addressing the complexities of studying IACCs. It then delves into a notable historical account of chronic conditions linked to infections, emphasizing the lessons these histories offer for advancing Long Covid research. The authors highlight the importance of avoiding past mistakes and adopting a measured, objective approach.

One key recommendation is to use what we already know about IACCs, such as ME/CFS, to inform Long Covid research. The authors also emphasize the importance of recognizing disease subtypes and accounting for sex differences in research.

Distinguishing between IACCs can be particularly challenging when the underlying cause is unknown. The authors propose using well-characterized patient populations from various IACCs and studying them under the same protocol to identify both overlaps and differences. Such comprehensive studies could clarify how these conditions relate to one another.

In addition to research, the authors stress the urgent need for clinical treatments for IACCs. They outline ongoing clinical trials and suggest focusing on approaches that consider viral persistence, immune dysfunction, and combination therapies.