One in ten coronavirus survivors suffers from “long covid” symptoms three months after infection

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One in ten coronavirus survivors suffers from symptoms of “long covid” such as fatigue three months after overcoming the disease, according to a government-funded review

  • The National Institute for Health Research reviewed more than 300 scientific papers
  • The analysis found that 10% of all survivors suffered from persistent symptoms three months later
  • The most common problem was fatigue, followed by shortness of breath and “brain fog.”

By Connor Boyd, Mailonline Health Writing Assistant

Posted: | Updated:









One in 10 coronavirus patients suffers from persistent symptoms months after the initial infection, according to a government-funded report.

The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) analyzed more than 300 scientific papers from around the world as part of its second review in “Long Covid.”

It was found that about 10 percent of survivors continue to suffer symptoms at least three months after clearing up the disease.

The most common problem was fatigue, followed by shortness of breath and “brain fog,” but the most severe symptoms included organ damage, anxiety, and depression.

The review found that the more severe the initial disease, the more likely patients were to suffer from Long Covid. For example, between 60 and 90% of people hospitalized with Covid experienced persistent symptoms two months later.

But the NIHR said the “lack of consistency around Long Covid’s definition and measurement” makes it difficult to determine exactly what the condition is.

He added: “The review finds that there is considerable variation in the range of symptoms that researchers have considered Long Covid.

“Used as a general umbrella, Long Covid can cover conditions that can have different causes.”

The NIHR said it believes Long Covid may include up to four different syndromes, with different underlying causes and treatment needs.

One in ten coronavirus patients suffers from persistent symptoms months after the initial infection, according to a government-funded report (image image)

One in ten coronavirus patients suffer from persistent symptoms months after the initial infection, according to a government-funded report (stock image)

A separate paper presented last month to the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) last month found that more than 90% of people continue to suffer symptoms at least three months after being hospitalized with Covid

A separate document presented last month to the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) last month revealed that more than 90% of people continue to suffer symptoms at least three months after being hospitalized with Covid

They include post-ICU syndrome, health problems that persist after critical illness, long-term organ damage, and post-viral syndrome, a feeling of tiredness and weakness that lingers after the body fights an unpleasant infection.

The NIHR said there was some evidence that Long Covid could be an active disease, with continued inflammatory responses, persistent viral activity, or blood clotting disorders.

Dr. Elaine Maxwell, author of the review and head of content at the NIHR Center for Participation and Dissemination, said: “While this review helps improve our understanding of the different patterns of the disease, we need to know more about the prevalence of each and its causes .. We also need more data on the duration of symptoms.

“It appears that at least 10% of people experience at least one Long Covid symptom three months after diagnosis, but limitations in the way data are collected mean that this may not be a complete reflection and we may see an increase. the estimates “.

Candace Imison, associate director of evidence and dissemination at the NIHR’s Center for Participation and Dissemination (CED), added: “Like so many things related to Covid-19, ‘Long Covid’ has quickly become part of our everyday language. , is unknown, although research commissioned by NIHR and others is being done urgently for more information.

“This second review brings us to the first, focusing on a wide range of emerging evidence that simply did not exist even six months ago. Along with the findings of our brief survey of people living with Long Covid, it provides an insight unique in the current state.

“Through our thematic reviews, we aim to act as knowledge brokers, working in collaboration with the public and experts to improve health and social care and report on policies and future research priorities. We hope that this review is also useful for professionals, who are increasingly coming into contact with people with Long Covid, and for people who have persistent symptoms of Covid-19, as well as their families or employers. “

What are the long-term symptoms of Covid-19?

Most patients with coronavirus will recover within a fortnight, suffering from fever, cough, and losing their sense of smell or taste for several days.

However, evidence is beginning to show that revealing symptoms of the virus can persist for weeks and weeks in “long carriers,” the term for patients affected by lasting complications.

Data from the COVID Symptom Study app, from King’s College London and healthcare company Zoe, suggest that one in ten people may have symptoms after three weeks and some may suffer for months.

Long-term symptoms include:

  • Chronic fatigue
  • Timely
  • Increased heart rate
  • Delirium
  • Strokes
  • Insomnia
  • Loss of taste / smell
  • Kidney disease
  • Mobility problems
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches
  • Fever

For those with more serious illnesses, Italian researchers who tracked 143 people who had been hospitalized with the disease found that nearly 90% still had symptoms, including fatigue, two months after falling ill.

The most common complaints were fatigue, shortness of breath, and joint pain, which were reported during the battle against the disease.

Another study in Italy showed that one in ten people who lose their sense of taste and smell with coronavirus (now recognized as a key sign of infection) may not recover in a month.

The study, published in the journal JAMA Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery, involved 187 Italians who had the virus but were not sick enough to be hospitalized.

British chief medical professor Chris Whitty has said the long-term impacts of Covid-19 on health “can be significant”.

Support groups like Long Covid have appeared online for those who “suspect Covid-19 and your experience does not follow the textbook symptoms or recovery time.”

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