Long-COVID in patients with a history of mild or asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection: a Nationwide Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE: Evaluating the prevalence of long-COVID symptoms in patients with a history of mild or asymptomatic infection with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the factors associated with developing long-COVID. DESIGN: A nationwide cohort study. Using a centralized database, we have identified patients with and without a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection 1–6 months before data collection. Patients were asked to fill out an online questionnaire through text messages. SETTING: Israeli general practice. SUBJECTS: 2755 persons participated in the study in September 2021 (a response rate of 7.5%): 819 with and, 936 without a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We asked patients to provide details about their demographic status, medical history, COVID-related variables and the presence of long-COVID symptoms. RESULTS: Most prevalent long-COVID symptoms were decreased smell sensation (35.1% vs. 4.3%, p < 0.001), decreased taste sensation (25.2% vs. 3.2%, p < 0.001), memory disturbances (36.9% vs. 14.4%, p < 0.001), dyspnea (24.2% vs. 10.7%, p < 0.001) and arthralgia (33% vs. 16.3%, p < 0.001). Risk factors associated with long-COVID included female gender, symptomatic COVID-19, overweight or obesity and the presence of dyslipidemia. About 34.6% of participants reported not returning to their baseline health condition after the acute illness. CONCLUSION: Long-COVID is frequently seen following a mild symptomatic COVID-19 infection and, to a lesser extent, following an asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. Primary care physicians should be aware of these symptoms and consider this option in their differential diagnosis. Health policymakers should expect a significant impact of this syndrome on public health. KEY POINTS: Long-COVID has emerged as a significant health problem with a serious impact on normal daily function; • Long-COVID symptoms were evident in patients with mild symptomatic disease and in asymptomatic patients to a lesser extent. • Risk factors for having Long-COVID symptoms include female gender, symptomatic disease, increased BMI, and the presence of dyslipidemia. • Fatigue, dyspnea, weakness, decreased libido, weight changes, memory, and sleep disturbances were associated with not returning to the baseline health state.