The lingering symptoms of post-COVID-19 condition (long-COVID): a prospective cohort study

Abstract

Background: Longer-term symptoms (long COVID) may be present in seemingly recovered patients for several months and can be debilitating. Aim: To investigate the prevalence and type of symptoms in those with a prior COVID-19 diagnosis. Methods: This prospective, longitudinal observational study commenced in July 2020 investigating the longer-term health impacts of COVID-19. Participants were recruited via public health units and media publicity. Surveys were completed upon enrolment, and at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. Outcome measures included incidence of activity limitations and symptoms against health and vaccination status, age and gender. Results: Overall, 339 participants were recruited. At 3 months after COVID-19, 66.8% reported symptoms, and 44.8% were still experiencing symptoms at 12 months. Fatigue was most common at every point (between 53.1% and 33.1%). Pain symptoms increased in relative prevalence over time, whereas respiratory/pulmonary-type symptoms decreased substantially after 3 months. Females and younger people were more likely to experience symptoms in the early stages of long COVID (P \u3c 0.01) and those with more comorbidities in the latter stages (P \u3c 0.001). Vaccination showed a statistically significant protective effect against symptoms (P \u3c 0.01–0.001). Conclusion: Long-term COVID-19 symptoms exist among recovered patients up to 12 months after contracting the virus. Fatigue is a primary contributor, while chronic pain became more problematic after 6 months. Vaccination was a factor in preventing long-term symptoms and aiding faster recovery from symptoms. Further work exploring additional contributors to symptom prevalence would assist in developing appropriate follow-up care