Background/Objectives: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) course may differ among individuals—in particular, those with comorbidities may have severe pneumonia, requiring oxygen supplementation or mechanical ventilation. Post-COVID-19 long-term structural changes in imaging studies can contribute to persistent respiratory disturbance. This study aimed to investigate COVID-19 sequels affecting the possibility of persistent structural lung tissue abnormalities and their influence on the respiratory function of peripheral airways and gas transfer. Methods: Patients were divided into two groups according to severity grades described by the World Health Organization. Among the 176 hospitalized patients were 154 patients with mask oxygen supplementation and 22 patients with high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) or mechanical ventilation. All tests were performed at 3, 6, and 9 months post-hospitalization. Results: Patients in the severe/critical group had lower lung volumes in FVC, FVC%, FEV1, FEV1%, LC, TLC%, and DLCO% at three months post-hospitalization. At 6 and 9 months, neither group had significant FVC and FEV1 value improvements. The MEF 25–75 values were not significantly higher in the mild/moderate group than in the severe/critical group at three months. There were weak significant correlations between FVC and FEV1, MEF50, MEF 75, plethysmography TLC, disturbances in DLCO, and total CT abnormalities in the severe/critical group at three months. In a mild/moderate group, there was a significant negative correlation between the spirometry, plethysmography parameters, and CT lesions in all periods. Conclusions: Persistent respiratory symptoms post-COVID-19 can result from fibrotic lung parenchyma and post-infectious stenotic small airway changes not visible in CT, probably due to persistent inflammation.

Recurrent erysipelas is a common and clinically significant condition that poses challenges for both patients and healthcare systems. Each episode may damage lymphatic vessels, leading to chronic lymphedema, which perpetuates the risk of further relapses. Recurrence rates remain high, ranging from 11% in outpatients during the first year to up to 46% of hospitalized patients within three years. The lower limbs are the most frequent site, although recurrences may also occur in other regions, such as the upper limb after mastectomy with lymph node dissection. This review summarizes current knowledge on risk factors, preventive measures, and chemoprophylaxis in recurrent erysipelas. Modifiable risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, venous insufficiency, tinea pedis, and poor hygiene play an important role, while non-modifiable factors include age, sex, and a history of prior episodes. Non-pharmacological strategies—weight reduction, glycemic control, smoking cessation, compression therapy, and meticulous skin care—form the cornerstone of prevention and may reduce the need for long-term antibiotics. Antibiotic prophylaxis, most commonly with oral penicillin V or intramuscular benzathine penicillin, has been shown to lower recurrence rates. However, efficacy may be reduced in patients with chronic edema or severe obesity. Macrolides serve as alternatives in penicillin-allergic patients, but concerns remain about resistance, adverse effects, and drug–drug interactions. In conclusion, recurrent erysipelas requires a multifaceted approach. While antibiotic prophylaxis is effective, its long-term success depends on simultaneous management of underlying conditions. Further studies are needed to define optimal regimens, treatment duration, and non-antibiotic alternatives.

As a result of genetic changes and mutations of SARS-CoV-2, new variants emerge that have different properties compared to the original strains of the virus, which is a challenge for public health. XBB.1.5, also known as Kraken, is a subvariant of Omicron, and it is the most infectious and transmissible strain of SARS-CoV-2 to date. XBB.1.5 is the dominant strain in the United States of America, spreading worldwide, including in Europe and Asia. XBB.1.5 has properties to evade the immune system and reinfect individuals who have had COVID-19 before due to its strong binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, and antibody evasion. Treatment and postexposure prophylaxis using monoclonal antibodies are ineffective against the Kraken variant, which is especially problematic for immunocompromised individuals and those with contraindications for vaccination, for example due to severe anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock after prior administration of the vaccine, who require additional preventive measures. However, antiviral drugs including remdesivir, molnupiravir, nirmatrelvir, and ensitrelvir are still effective in treating COVID-19 caused by the XBB.5 variant. Currently, vaccine efficacy against XBB.1.5 variant is yet unknown. However, according to early studies, XBB and its sublineages have a greater ability for immune evasion than other variants, and the protection against infection via vaccination is reduced.

Background: COVID-19 has posed a global healthcare challenge, with treatments varying according to severity. While many patients recover, some experience persistent symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, and exercise intolerance. Objective: To assess the long-term effects of cytokines and chemokines on inflammation and airway dysfunction in post-COVID-19 patients. Methods: We prospectively studied 154 hospitalized patients with moderate COVID-19 and examined them after discharge and at 3- and 6-month follow-ups. We measured serum levels of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, CCL5/RANTES, CXCL8/IL-8, CXCL9/MIG, and CXCL10/IP10 as well as pulmonary function tests (PFT): FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, MEF 25-50-75, and DLCO. The cytokine and chemokine concentrations were determined by the ELISA method, and PFT was conducted using the JAEGER MasterScreen. Results: PFT parameters remained constant throughout the observation period. IL-2, IL-4, CCL5, CXCL8, and CXCL9 levels increased significantly at the sixth month of follow-up, whereas IL-6 and CXCL10 decreased at the third month (p < 0.05). Significant correlations were found between cytokine levels and FEV1 and between chemokine levels and MEF 25-75 and DLCO. Conclusions: Associations between PFT parameters, especially DLCO, FEV1, MEF 25-75, and cytokine/chemokine levels suggest persistent bronchial inflammation, primarily in the small airways and lung parenchyma, after COVID-19 recovery.