The Long Tail of COVID-19

Substantial negative effects on quality of life and daily function can persist after acute COVID-19.

Sequelae are common after COVID-19 and may continue for 6 to 12 months or more. Now, two studies provide a fuller characterization of the late sequelae of COVID-19. In a population-based study in southern Germany, researchers described symptoms 6 to 12 months after acute infection in >11,000 adults (of >50,000 invitees) who had PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection diagnosed between Oct 2020 and April 2021 and who completed questionnaires. In a mean follow-up of 8.5 months, key self-reported health problems were fatigue, neurocognitive impairment, and chest symptoms that occurred even among young and middle-aged adults and after mild infection. Symptoms were more common among women and those with severe disease. Moderate impairment was reporte…

Reviewing Author

Mary E. Wilson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardOneHealthTrust (formerly Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics, and Policy); Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsJournal of Travel Medicine

Mary E. Wilson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardOneHealthTrust (formerly Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics, and Policy); Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsJournal of Travel Medicine

The Long Tail of COVID-19

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Reviewing Author