To better understand the evolution of Covid-19, it is important to follow the survivors. Studies have been carried out in this case, on patients still showing symptoms of the disease following two years.
Covid-19: Patients show some symptoms two years later
A Chinese study demonstrates the persistence of at least one symptom in more than half of patients who have had Covid-19.
A long study conducted in China
The study consisted of track 1,200 patients admitted in 2020 to Wuhan Hospital. These patients were all suffering from the Covid-19 virus and the monitoring was performed once six months. Twelve months and two years later the same follow-up was carried out on the same people.
The subjects underwent questionnaires on their mental and physical health and on their return to their respective departments. They were also asked regarding their medical care following hospitalization and their physical abilities. A final phase of follow-up consisted of asking patients to walk for six minutes.
The same follow-up was carried out on control patients never having had Covid-19.
Results and conclusion
In fgeneral, all patients regained good mental and physical health over time. The majority had returned to their jobs within two years. However, symptoms were also noted in other patients. More than half were still carriers of at least one symptom. Frequently recurring symptoms included: headachethe palpitations and the dizziness. The control patients had a better health and quality of life.
The study will have shown that Covid-19 patients still had some health difficulties two years later. They are then, much more than healthy subjects, obliged to turn to the health services. The disease requires more than two years for a total recovery.
The healthy population always presents a health and a quality of life superior to that of the patients supposedly recovered from Covid-19. The symptoms are much greater in subjects who have suffered from a long Covid-19. Over time, however, the situation might greatly improve for all former patients.