WHO has published an article which is an overview of factual information relating to Post COVID-19 condition (Long COVID).
Key Facts
- Most patients with COVID-19 recover fully, but some develop post COVID-19 condition with medium- to long-term effects on one or more body systems.
- Approximately 6 in every 100 people who have COVID-19 develop post COVID-19 condition.
- While data are limited, the chance of developing post COVID-19 condition appears to be lower now than earlier in the pandemic. However, the virus is still circulating widely, and every new infection is associated with a risk.
- Fatigue, breathlessness, muscle or joint pain, and impaired sleep are common symptoms of post-COVID-19 condition.
- WHO is working to develop clinical practice guidelines for management of post COVID-19 condition.
- Health-care providers can guide patients on self-management of symptoms and offer medication for symptom relief or referral for rehabilitation services as needed.
Extracts
Scope of the problem
Millions of people have been affected with post COVID-19 condition since the beginning of the pandemic (1). Global estimates indicate that 6 in 100 people with COVID-19 develop post COVID-19 condition. Estimates largely come from people who suffered COVID-19 early in the pandemic (in the first two years), and there is a very large variation in estimates (2).
More recent research shows the chances of developing post COVID-19 condition have reduced, but these data are limited and mostly from high-income countries (3). However, the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the virus that causes COVID-19 is widely circulating and post COVID-19 condition remains a substantial threat and ongoing challenge to global public health.
Impact
Post COVID-19 condition can affect the ability to work and may lead to loss of productivity, and a reduction in income and quality of life. Ongoing medical needs of people with the condition may stretch existing health systems.
Recovery
Symptoms of post COVID-19 condition generally improve over time, typically 4–9 months. Approximately 15 in 100 people still have symptoms at 12 months (2).
Treatments
The individual needs of patients with post COVID-19 condition vary. At the present time, there remains limited research on treatments and a lack of large studies to understand the most effective treatments. However, doctors and their patients may make individualized treatment decisions based on knowledge from similar medical conditions.
Health-care providers may offer medications for symptomatic relief as needed. Additionally, newly diagnosed medical problems occurring after COVID-19 frequently have well-established treatments, for example kidney disease or stroke. Many symptoms and functional impairment can be managed effectively by rehabilitation, and with careful communication between primary care practitioners and medical specialists.
MEA Comment
In reference to the recover section (italics above), I don't agree with the over optimistic statement on Recovery – which implies that 85% of people with Long Covid no longer have any symptoms at 12 months. This may be the case in one follow up study but it is not reflected in other follow up studies.
Please see the ME Association Booklet: Long Covid and ME/CFS – Are they the same condition?
Dr Charles Shepherd,
Trustee and Hon. Medical Adviser to the ME Association,
Member of the 2018-2021 NICE guideline on ME/CFS committee,
Member of the 2002 Chief Medical Officer's Working Group on ME/CFS
For Information
- The ME Association: VuMedi: Dr Shepherd talks about the overlaps between Long Covid and ME/CFS in a video aimed at healthcare professionals
- The ME Association: VuMedi: Year in Review: Long Covid and ME/CFS in 2024