Abstract
Neurologic symptoms have been reported in over 30% of hospitalized patients with coronavirus
disease 2019 (COVID-19), but the pathogenesis of these symptoms remains under investigation.
Here, we place the neurologic complications of COVID-19 within the context of three
historical viral pandemics that have been associated with neurologic diseases: (1)
the 1918 influenza pandemic, subsequent spread of encephalitis lethargica, and lessons
for the study of COVID-19-related neuroinflammation; (2) the controversial link between
the 1976 influenza vaccination campaign and Guillain–Barré Syndrome and its implications
for the post- and parainfectious complications of COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination;
and (3) potential applications of scientific techniques developed in the wake of the
human immunodeficiency virus pandemic to the study of postacute sequelae of COVID-19.
Keywords
COVID-19 - encephalitis lethargica - pandemic - influenza
