Global prevalence of post COVID-19 condition or Long Covid: A meta-analysis and systematic review (16 April 2022)

Summary

Chen et al. examined the worldwide prevalence of post COVID-19 condition, through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The research, published in the Journal of Infectious Disease, assessed 23 symptoms reported across 36 of the studies and found that shortness of breath, sleep problems, and joint pain was widely reported by those who had recovered from the novel coronavirus infection.

They analysed the prevalence of this condition globally and regionally, estimating the proportion of individuals facing long Covid in Asia, Europe and North America. They found that the global prevalence for post-Covid conditions at 30, 60, 90 and 120 days after infection was about 37, 25, 32, and 49%, respectively.

The authors concluded that post COVID-19 condition prevalence is substantial; the health effects of COVID-19 appear to be prolonged and can exert stress on the healthcare system.