A recent study highlights that two-thirds of individuals with post-COVID-19 syndrome experience persistent symptoms, emphasizing the need for continued patient evaluation and care.
This research underscores the necessity for ongoing monitoring and tailored treatment plans for those affected by post-COVID-19 syndrome, impacting clinical practices and patient care strategies.
A comprehensive study conducted by Winfried Kern and colleagues, published in PLOS Medicine, explored the long-term impacts of post-COVID-19 syndrome. It involved 982 participants previously identified with post-COVID-19 syndrome and 576 controls. The findings showed that two-thirds continued to experience persistent symptoms beyond a year. The study found that common symptoms included fatigue, neurocognitive disturbances, and chest problems, with a significant subset of participants demonstrating exercise intolerance. The research emphasizes the importance of including cognitive and exercise testing in clinical evaluations and calls for additional long-term observational studies.
67.6% - Percentage of individuals with post-COVID-19 syndrome experiencing persistent symptoms after one year.
35.6% - Portion of participants with persistent post-COVID-19 syndrome reporting exercise intolerance with post-exertional malaise.
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Post-COVID-19 syndrome, also known as long COVID, is characterized by a continuation of symptoms well after the acute phase of infection. The recent study by Kern et al. highlighted that a large proportion of patients continue to experience significant health issues over a year later.
"Two-thirds of people with post-COVID-19 syndrome have persistent, objective symptoms... for a year or more," noted Winfried Kern and colleagues.
These findings reflect a need for healthcare systems to adapt to the prolonged nature of post-COVID-19 conditions, ensuring that patients receive adequate care and monitoring.
The study found that fatigue, neurocognitive disturbances, and chest symptoms are common among those with persistent post-COVID-19 syndrome. These symptoms can significantly impact daily activities and quality of life.
Exercise intolerance was reported by over a third of those affected, indicating physical limitations. Additionally, cognitive tests showed reduced performance on measures like memory and processing speed.
"Persistent PCS patients scored lower than controls on cognitive tests," the study reported, highlighting the enduring impact on mental functions.
The study calls for the inclusion of neurocognitive and exercise testing in the evaluation of post-COVID-19 syndrome. These assessments can provide valuable insights into the physical and mental health challenges patients face.
Long-term observational studies are also recommended to better understand recovery trajectories and identify factors affecting progression and outcomes.
"Observational studies with longer follow-up are urgently needed," stated the researchers, as they emphasize the need for a deepened understanding and strategic management of post-COVID-19 syndrome.
Kern, W. (2025). Two-thirds of people with post-COVID-19 syndrome experience long-term effects. PLOS Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1004511
Peter, P. R. S., Nieters, A., Göpel, S., Merle, U., Steinacker, J. M., & Deibert, P. (2025). Persistent symptoms and clinical findings in adults with post-acute sequelae of COVID-19/post-COVID-19 syndrome in the second year after acute infection: A population-based, nested case-control study. PLOS Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1004511