Clinical and Symptom Profiles of Long-COVID Patients in Italy: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: Long COVID is a multisystemic condition persisting beyond the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Data on young, community-dwelling adults in Italy remain limited. To describe the sociodemographic, clinical, and symptom profiles of Long-COVID patients in an Italian cohort. <b>Methods</b>: Cross-sectional survey (February-April 2025) on 250 adults with prior COVID-19. A validated 24-item questionnaire was administered. Descriptive statistics, 95% confidence intervals (CIs)<b>,</b> Hedges' g effect sizes, and exploratory subgroup analyses (sex, age ≤ 30 vs. >30) were performed. <b>Results</b>: Participants were 63.6% female, 56% ≤ 30 years, 4.4% with comorbidities. Acute symptoms included muscle/joint pain (2.79 ± 1.31), weakness (2.77 ± 1.28), and tiredness (2.76 ± 1.31). Persistent symptoms were excessive tiredness (2.36 ± 1.27), weakness (2.25 ± 1.29), and muscle/joint pain (2.25 ± 1.25). Acute → persistent changes were significant (<i>p</i> < 0.01, paired <i>t</i>-test) with effect sizes g = 0.31-0.42. Women reported higher persistent fatigue (mean diff = 0.40, 95% CI 0.01-0.78, <i>p</i> = 0.04). <b>Conclusions</b>: Even among young adults without comorbidities, Long COVID imposes a relevant burden. Findings highlight the need for multidisciplinary pathways, nursing-led follow-up, and targeted self-management education.