Incidence and risk factors of long COVID in the UK: a single-centre observational study

Arvind Nune1, Victor Durkowski2, Andrew Titman3

  • 1Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust, Southport PR8 6PN, UK,

Insights

Long COVID affects over half of patients for up to nine months post-hospitalization. COVID-19 pneumonia is a key predictor of persistent symptoms in Caucasian individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Research
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • Limited studies exist on long COVID symptoms and risk factors.
  • This study investigates long COVID prevalence and predictors in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the presence, duration, and severity of long COVID.
  • To identify risk factors associated with long COVID.

Main Methods:

  • Observational study of 271 COVID-19 patients admitted to a UK hospital (Feb-Jul 2020).
  • Assessed long COVID at 3, 6, and 9 months post-discharge.
  • Used logistic regression to analyze potential risk factors.

Main Results:

  • 62% experienced long COVID at 3 months, 52% at 6 months, and 49% at 9 months.
  • Common symptoms included fatigue and breathlessness.
  • COVID-19 pneumonia was a significant predictor in Caucasians at 3 months.

Conclusions:

  • A substantial proportion of patients experience long COVID for extended periods.
  • Identifying predictors like COVID-19 pneumonia is crucial for patient management.
Abstract

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