Severity of Initial COVID-19 Symptoms Linked to Long COVID Risk, Study Finds

A study found that those who were bedridden for seven days or more due to initial COVID-19 symptoms were more likely to develop long COVID.
Being female, older age, and having five or more symptoms in the first week of illness were also associated with a higher risk of developing long COVID.

A recent study published in The Lancet has found a significant correlation between the severity of initial COVID-19 symptoms and the likelihood of developing long COVID. The study, which involved over 70,000 participants, found that those who were bedridden for seven days or more due to initial COVID-19 symptoms were more likely to develop long COVID. Long COVID is a term used to describe a range of symptoms that continue for weeks or even months after the acute illness has resolved. These symptoms can include fatigue, difficulty thinking or concentrating, and sleep problems, among others.

The study also found that being female, older age, and having five or more symptoms in the first week of illness were also associated with a higher risk of developing long COVID. However, the researchers noted that the study does not establish a causal relationship between these factors and long COVID, and further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind these associations.

The findings of this study are consistent with previous research on long COVID. A report by the Center for Infective Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) also found that severe initial COVID-19 symptoms were associated with a higher risk of long COVID. Similarly, a podcast episode by SBS News discussed the plight of tens of thousands of individuals who are in poor health long after being infected with COVID-19, highlighting the significant impact of long COVID on individuals and healthcare systems worldwide.


Confidence

95%

Doubts
  • The study does not establish a causal relationship between the identified factors and long COVID.

Sources

92%

  • Unique Points
    • The study provides a detailed analysis of long COVID symptoms in home-isolated patients.
    • The article discusses the impact of age and gender on the likelihood of developing long COVID.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (80%)
    • The Lancet is owned by Elsevier, a for-profit company that sells access to scientific research. This could potentially influence the type of research they choose to publish.
    • Author Conflicts Of Interest (85%)
      • The authors of the study are employed by institutions that may benefit from increased funding for COVID-19 research.

      96%

      • Unique Points
        • The article highlights the correlation between the severity of initial COVID-19 symptoms and the likelihood of developing long COVID.
        • The article discusses the need for further research to understand the mechanisms behind long COVID.
      • Accuracy
        No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
      • Deception (100%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication
      • Fallacies (100%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication
      • Bias (100%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication
      • Site Conflicts Of Interest (85%)
        • CIDRAP is part of the University of Minnesota, which conducts research on COVID-19 and could potentially benefit from increased funding or attention to the issue.
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication

        94%

        • Unique Points
          • The article provides personal stories of individuals suffering from long COVID.
          • The article discusses the societal and economic impact of long COVID.
        • Accuracy
          No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
        • Deception (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Fallacies (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Bias (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (80%)
          • SBS is a public broadcaster funded by the Australian government. The government's policies and actions regarding COVID-19 could potentially influence the content of the site.
          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication