23% patients show lasting post-Covid symptoms: Study

Washington: Twenty-three per cent of Covid-19 infected and recovered continue to suffer from one or more health issues even after a month of being diagnosed with the virus, according to a study. Though many recovered completely in weeks, some showed new symptoms after over four weeks. These post covid conditions are termed as long-haul Covid or post-acute sequelae of Covid-19 (PASC).

According to the study results, the most common PASC were pain, breathing difficulties, hyperlipidemia, malaise, fatigue and hypertension, which were detected across all ages. Pain, breathing difficulties and intestinal issues were the top issues with those aged 0 to 18 years. More than 25% aged 19 to 20 years showed cardiac inflammation in the subject pool.

Fifty per cent of the hospitalised showed a PASC, while among symptomatic patients who were not hospitalised, 27.5% showed PASC.

Also, 19% of asymptomatic patients showed post-Covid symptoms. Anxiety was associated with a major percentage of patients, irrespective of their age and depression, adjustment and tic disorders followed it. PASC was detected more in females than males.

The chances of death 30 days or more after initial diagnosis with the virus were 46 times higher for those hospitalised and discharged than those who were not. According to the study, patients with pre-existing conditions or intellectual disabilities were associated with the highest chances of death 30 days or more after initial Covid-19 diagnosis.

The study conducted by FAIR Health, a health care non-profit, analysed private healthcare claim reports of around 2 million covid diagnosed people in 2020. The study subjects ranged from babies to the elderly, and the male and female dividend was 47% and 53%, respectively. However, the study is yet to be published in a peer-reviewed journal.