Characterizing long COVID in an international cohort: 7 months of symptoms and their impact

Summary

A significant number of patients with COVID-19 experience prolonged symptoms, known as Long COVID. Few systematic studies have investigated this population, particularly in outpatient settings. Hence, relatively little is known about symptom makeup and severity, expected clinical course, impact on daily functioning, and return to baseline health. 

Davis et al. conducted an online survey of people with suspected and confirmed COVID-19, distributed via COVID-19 support groups and social media.

Patients with Long COVID reported prolonged, multisystem involvement and significant disability. By seven months, many patients have not yet recovered (mainly from systemic and neurological/cognitive symptoms), have not returned to previous levels of work, and continue to experience significant symptom burden.