Post‐sequelae symptoms and comorbidities after COVID‐19. Issue 5 (31st January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Duggal, Priya; Penson, Tristan; Manley, Hannah N.; Vergara, Candelaria; Munday, Rebecca M.; Duchen, Dylan; Linton, Elizabeth A.; Zurn, Amber; Keruly, Jeanne C.; Mehta, Shruti H.; Thomas, David L.
• Other Names: Luo Guangxiang (George) guestEditor.; Ly Hinh guestEditor.; Gao Shou‐Jiang guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of medical virology. Volume 94:Issue 5(2022)
• Page Start: 2060
• Page End: 2066
• Publication Date: 2022-01-31
• Subjects: long‐haul -- post‐COVID‐19 -- SARS‐CoV‐2 -- sequela; Virology -- Periodicals; 616
• DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27586
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0146-6615

Abstract

Abstract: The frequency, severity, and forms of symptoms months after coronavirus 2019 (COVID‐19) are poorly understood, especially in community settings. To better understand and characterize symptoms months after community‐based COVID‐19, a retrospective cohort analysis was conducted. Three hundred and twenty‐eight consecutive persons with a positive test for SARS‐CoV‐2 in the Johns Hopkins Health System, Maryland, March−May 2020, were selected for the study. Symptom occurrence and severity were measured through questionnaires. Of 328 persons evaluated, a median of 242 days (109−478 days) from the initial positive SARS‐CoV‐2 test, 33.2% reported not being fully recovered and 4.9% reported symptoms that constrained daily activities. Compared to those who reported being fully recovered, those with post‐acute sequelae were more likely to report a prior history of heart attack ( p < 0.01). Among those reporting long‐term symptoms, men and women were equally represented (men = 34.8%, women = 34.6%), but only women reported symptoms that constrained daily activities, and 56% of them were caregivers. The types of new or persistent symptoms varied, and for many, included a deviation from prior COVID‐19 health, such as being less able to exercise, walk, concentrate, or breathe. A limitation is that self‐report of symptoms might be biased and/or caused by factors other than COVID‐19. Overall, even in a community setting, symptoms may persist months after COVID‐19 reducing daily activities including caring for dependents. Key points: Even months after coronavirus 2019 a substantial proportion of persons continue to have symptoms that might restrict their daily activities. Further research is needed to prevent this complication especially as the pandemic spreads over the world.