The findings are drawn from a large study of 33,281 people in Scotland who tested positive for coronavirus. Most of the results are consistent with those of earlier, smaller studies.
Among a subset of 197 survivors of symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections who responded to surveys following 12 months and 18 months, most reported persistent symptoms at both time points, the researchers reported in Nature Communications.
The 12-month non-cure rates were 11%, with 51% partial cure and 39% complete cure. The 18-month rates were 11% no cure, 51% partial cure, and 39% complete cure.
Asymptomatic infections were not associated with long COVID. But of the 31,486 people with symptomatic infections, almost half reported incomplete recovery between six and 18 months.
A total of 3,744 participants with symptomatic infections completed questionnaires twice over the following year. six months, 8% reported no recovery, 47% partial recovery and 45% complete recovery. These rates had barely changed at 12 months, with 8% reporting no cure, 46% partial cure, and 46% complete cure.
One in 20 patients with symptomatic infection reported no recovery at the most recent follow-up, the researchers said.
“Our study is important because it adds to our understanding of long COVID in the general population, not just in people who need to be admitted to hospital with COVID-19,” said Jill Pell, study leader. the University of Glasgow, in a press release.
COVID-19 was more likely in patients who had been hospitalized and in those who were older, female, socioeconomically disadvantaged, and with pre-existing health conditions. The most common persistent symptoms were shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitations, as well as confusion and “brain fog”.
The researchers also found that vaccination before infection appeared to protect once morest certain long-term symptoms.
The researchers also surveyed nearly 63,000 people who tested only negative for COVID-19, to distinguish between health problems that are due to COVID-19 and health problems that might be expected. in the general population.
