Recovery from COVID-19: a sprint or marathon? 6-month follow-up data from online long COVID-19 support group members.
ERJ Open Res
; 7(2)2021 Apr.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1273243
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
It remains unknown whether and to what extent members of online "long COVID" peer support groups remain symptomatic and limited over time. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate symptoms in members of online long COVID peer support groups up to 6â months after the onset of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related symptoms.METHODS:
Demographics, symptoms, health status, work productivity, functional status and health-related quality of life were assessed about 3 and 6â months after the onset of COVID-19-related symptoms in members of online long COVID peer support groups.RESULTS:
Data from 239 patients with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis (83% women; median (interquartile range) age 50 (39-56) years) were analysed. During the infection, a median (interquartile range) of 15 (11-18) symptoms was reported, which was significantly lower 3 and 6â months later 6 (4-9) and 6 (3-8), respectively (p<0.05). From 3 to 6â months follow-up, the proportion of patients without symptoms increased from 1.3% to only 5.4% (p<0.001). Patients also reported a significantly improved work productivity (work absenteeism and presenteeism 73% versus 52% and 66% versus 60%, respectively), self-reported good health (9.2% versus 16.7%), functional status (mean±sd Post-COVID-19 Functional Status scale 2.4±0.9 versus 2.2±1.0) and health-related quality of life (all p<0.05).CONCLUSION:
Although patients with confirmed COVID-19, who were all members of online long COVID peer support groups, reported significant improvements in work productivity, functional status and quality of life between 3 and 6â months follow-up, these data clearly highlight the long-term impact of COVID-19, as approximately 6â months after the onset of COVID-19-related symptoms a large proportion still experienced persistent symptoms, a moderate-to-poor health, moderate-to-severe functional limitations, considerable loss in work productivity, and/or an impaired quality of life. Action is needed to improve the management and healthcare of these patients.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Type of study:
Cohort study
/
Experimental Studies
/
Prognostic study
/
Randomized controlled trials
Topics:
Long Covid
Language:
English
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
23120541.00141-2021
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