Nearly All COVID Long Haulers Have This in Common, New Study Finds
A recent study found that these COVID patients' symptoms linger longer than you'd think.
While people with COVID may be relieved once their symptoms seem to lessen and they're cleared to leave quarantine, the virus can linger in unexpected ways. Many COVID patients have been reporting that their symptoms don't go away after 14 days. These patients, known as COVID long-haulers, are suffering for far more than a few of weeks. One recent study found that nearly all long COVID patients—96 percent, to be exact—see their symptoms last more than 90 days. Read on to learn more about the most common long-lasting coronavirus symptoms, and for more symptoms to be aware of, These Are The Most Common Early Signs You Have COVID, Study Finds.
The study, in a preprint shared by medRxiv on Dec. 27, surveyed 3,762 people from 56 countries aged 30 to 59 who experienced COVID symptoms for longer than 28 days. The study aimed "to characterize the symptom profile and time course in patients with Long COVID, along with the impact on daily life, work, and return to baseline health." The researchers found that 96 percent of long COVID patients—that is, those experiencing symptoms after 28 days—didn't return to baseline health for over three months, and the majority of patients still experienced symptoms seven months after diagnosis.
According to the study, the three most commonly reported symptoms were fatigue, post-exertional malaise, and cognitive dysfunction. Researchers found that certain behaviors seem to trigger symptoms: The study noted that about 86 percent of participants experienced relapses in symptoms when they exercised, engaged in physical or mental activity, or experienced stress.
A significant portion of the participants required an adjusted work schedule due to their symptoms. According to the survey, about 45 percent of participants reported needing a reduced work schedule after COVID, and about 22 percent of people were not working at the time of the survey due to the severity of their COVID symptoms.
The study identified a total of 205 symptoms that can affect up to 10 different organs in the body. Read on for the 15 symptoms long COVID patients most commonly reported six months after their diagnosis, and for more on the future of the pandemic, Dr. Fauci Just Said These 5 Very Scary Words About COVID-19.
15
Speech or language issues
About 37 percent
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14
Joint pain
About 37 percent
13
Chest tightness
About 37 percent
12
Tachycardia
About 37 percent
And for more coronavirus symptoms, This Is the "Strongest, Most Consistent" Sign You Have COVID, Study Says.
11
Dizziness or balance issues
About 38 percent
10
Shortness of breath
About 40 percent
And for more on the current state of the pandemic, This Is How Bad the COVID Outbreak Is in Your State.
9
Muscle aches
About 42 percent
8
Palpitations
About 42 percent
7
Insomnia
About 44 percent
And for more coronavirus news, These People Are More at Risk of Catching the New COVID Strain, Study Finds.
6
Memory issues
About 52 percent
5
Headaches
About 54 percent
4
Neurologic sensations
About 56 percent
And for more long-term coronavirus complications, learn The "Really Disturbing" Long COVID Symptom Doctors Want You to Prepare For.
3
Brain fog
About 58 percent
2
Post-exertional malaise
About 72 percent
1
Fatigue
About 80 percent
And for signs you could be facing long COVID, If You Have These 5 Symptoms, You're at Risk of Long COVID.
