Long Covid: Over 144 million people suffered globally

Globally, 144.7 million people experienced one or more of three symptoms of long Covid - fatigue, cognitive problems and respiratory problems - three months after infection in 2020 and 2021, a new study has revealed. The findings, published in medRxiv, a preprint server, are yet to be peer reviewed.

The persistence of symptoms has led experts to call for "rehabilitative care" and "support" to transition back into the workplace or education when symptoms start to wane.

"The study suggests that a high proportion of persons, including young adults (20-29 years), suffer from a cluster of symptoms for a longer duration. Specialist rehabilitative services are required to address mental as well as disease-specific physical symptoms," said Giridhara Babu, senior epidemiologist.


Experts said the study is based on detailed information of 1,906 community infections and 10,526 hospitalised patients from the 10 collaborating cohorts, three of which included children.

“We added published data on 37,262 community infections and 9,540 hospitalised patients, as well as ICD-coded medical record data concerning 1.3 million infections,'' the study said.

Researchers have found that globally, in 2020 and 2021, 144.7 million people suffered from any of the three symptom clusters of long Covid. This corresponds to 3.69% of all infections. The fatigue, respiratory and cognitive clusters occurred in 51.0%, 60.4%, and 35.4% of long Covid cases, respectively.

They found that those with milder infection had a quicker estimated recovery (median duration 3.99 months than those admitted for acute infection (median duration 8.84 months.

At 12 months, 15.1% continued to experience symptoms of long Covid.

"The occurrence of debilitating ongoing symptoms of Covid-19 is common. Knowing how many people are affected, and for how long, is important to plan for rehabilitative services and support to return to social activities, places of learning, and the workplace when symptoms start to wane,” the study said.

According to Babu, there is a need for more sensitivity towards people facing such problems. "The health systems will have to look out for these manifestations and address them appropriately. Also, the workplace settings need to be accommodative, including providing adequate coverage and benefits," he said.