Long COVID at 3 and 6 months after covid-19 infection in Thailand

Abstract

Abstract “Long COVID”, which describes a diverse set of symptoms or conditions that persist or develop after four weeks from the onset of initial SARS-CoV-2 infection has been introduced. However, the true prevalence varies worldwide. This study aimed to determine the point prevalence and clinical characteristics of long COVID at three and six months after acute COVID-19 infection in Thailand. Methods All adult patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 by positive nasopharyngeal RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 at Thammasat University Hospital between October and December 2021 were recruited and followed for long COVID symptoms by telephone interviews at 3 and 6 months after an acute infection. Among 1,400 eligible COVID-19 cases, interviews were complete for 1,129 and 932 individuals at 3 and 6 months, respectively. Of those, 431 and 314 reported at least one symptom consistent with long COVID. The point prevalence was 38.2% (95% confidence interval: 35.3–41.1%) and 33.7% (95% confidence interval: 30.7–36.7%) respectively. Female gender, disease severity, and symptomatic acute infection were identified as independent risk factors. Conclusion Based on the reported symptoms, long COVID is commonly observed either at 3 or 6 months in our study.

Keywords

• Long COVID
• 3 months
• 6 months
• Thailand