Spectrum of Residual Symptoms in Post COVID Patients

Background: There are limited studies regarding post-COVID-19 infection patient’s health status. Objective: To analyze the prevalence of post COVID-19 residual symptoms in local population of Faisalabad. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Settings: This study was conducted in Govt. General Teaching Hospital, GM Abad / Faisalabad Medical University, Faisalabad Pakistan. Duration: Over a period of 6 months. Methods: 212 patients fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled in the study after obtaining a written informed consent. Demographics, relevant history, symptoms at presentation, date / duration since discharge from hospital, symptoms present on follow up date, severity of disease and treatment given were recorded for the patients discharged from the hospital in last 4 months. Results: Out of 212 COVID-19 patients, 56.6% were male and 43.4% were females Mean length of Hospital stay and mean time to follow up was 6.8 days and 88 days respectively. 94.3% patients returned to baseline functional status and jobs after recovery while 5.7% could not return to baseline functional status. 56.6% patients reported no post covid residual symptoms. Most frequently reported symptoms after covid recovery were Fatigue 24.5%, Depression 22.6% and Body Pains 20.8%. Fever, cough and dyspnea were reported in 11.3%, 17% and 3.8% respectively. Conclusion: Despite apparent recovery from Covid-19 infection many patients still face a wide range of post covid symptoms months after initial infection.