Searching for Factors Influencing the Severity of the Symptoms of Long COVID

Alicja Mińko, Agnieszka Turoń-Skrzypińska, Aleksandra Rył, Natalia Tomska, Zuzanna Bereda and Iwona Rotter
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Alicja Mińko: Department of Medical Rehabilitation and Clinical Rehabilitation, Pomeranian Medical University, 71-210 Szczecin, Poland
Agnieszka Turoń-Skrzypińska: Department of Medical Rehabilitation and Clinical Rehabilitation, Pomeranian Medical University, 71-210 Szczecin, Poland
Aleksandra Rył: Department of Medical Rehabilitation and Clinical Rehabilitation, Pomeranian Medical University, 71-210 Szczecin, Poland
Natalia Tomska: Department of Medical Rehabilitation and Clinical Rehabilitation, Pomeranian Medical University, 71-210 Szczecin, Poland
Zuzanna Bereda: Student Science Club “KINEZIS”, Department of Medical Rehabilitation and Clinical Physiotherapy, Pomeranian Medical University, 71-210 Szczecin, Poland
Iwona Rotter: Department of Medical Rehabilitation and Clinical Rehabilitation, Pomeranian Medical University, 71-210 Szczecin, Poland

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 13, 1-11

Abstract: COVID-19 is a highly contagious respiratory disease. Infection with the virus can occur with differing symptom severity, from mild and moderate to severe cases, but the long-term consequences of infection have not been fully identified or studied. Long COVID is defined as occurring in individuals with a history of probable or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, and symptoms persisting for at least two months within three months of onset that cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to look for factors that influence the type and severity of Long COVID symptoms. In total, 932 individuals with a history of COVID-19 were qualified for the study using an original questionnaire based on the COVID-19 Yorkshire Rehab Screen (C19-YRS) questionnaire. Older adults were more likely to report problems with mobility ( p < 0.001) and in performing daily activities ( p = 0.014). Those with a higher BMI showed significantly more symptoms such as dyspnea at rest ( p < 0.001) and on exertion ( p < 0.001), feelings of chronic fatigue ( p = 0.023), problems with mobility ( p < 0.001), and in performing daily activities ( p = 0.002). The data show that those with Long COVID should receive multidisciplinary help including additional medical and psychological support. Particular attention should be paid to elderly and obese persons, who should be included in rehabilitation programs after COVID-19 in the first place.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; Long COVID; BMI (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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