Persistent symptoms 1.5-6 months after COVID-19 in non-hospitalised subjects: a population-based cohort study

This study assessed symptoms and their determinants 1.5-6 months after symptom onset in non-hospitalised subjects with confirmed COVID-19 until 1 June 2020, in a geographically defined area. We invited 938 subjects; 451 (48%) responded. They reported less symptoms after 1.5-6 months than during COVID-19; median (IQR) 0 (0-2) versus 8 (6-11), respectively (p<0.001); 53% of women and 67% of men were symptom free, while 16% reported dyspnoea, 12% loss/disturbance of smell, and 10% loss/disturbance of taste. In multivariable analysis, having persistent symptoms was associated with the number of comorbidities and number of symptoms during the acute COVID-19 phase.

Automated summary

The study assessed symptoms and their determinants 1.5-6 months after symptom onset in non-hospitalised subjects with confirmed COVID-19 until 1 June 2020. Findings showed that individuals reported fewer symptoms after 1.5-6 months compared to during the acute COVID-19 phase, with persistent symptoms being associated with the number of comorbidities and symptoms experienced during the acute phase.