Understanding the Long-Term Effects of COVID-19: A Two-Year Follow-up Study in a Secondary Care Setting

<bold>Background:</bold> This study examines the progression of symptoms in Long Covid patients, highlighting the importance of prolonged follow-up. <bold>Method:</bold> It focused on individuals who had severe Covid requiring hospitalization in 2019-20 and showed long-term symptoms after discharge. A total of 120 patients were surveyed using the COVID-19 Yorkshire Rehabilitation Scale questionnaire two years post-admission, with 40 responding. <bold>Results:</bold> The results indicate persistent and significant health issues among participants: 97% experienced increased fatigue and breathlessness, more than 92% reported increased joint pain and mobility problems, over 70% suffered from anxiety and depression, 100% had short-term memory and concentration issues, 70% had swallowing difficulties, 22.5% reported bowel/bladder incontinence, 62.5% had communication problems, and there was a deterioration in personal care for 65% and in social roles for 80%. There was a noticeable decline in overall health for 92% of respondents, with 95% reporting a significant impact on daily activities. Employment rates also shifted dramatically from 85% full-time pre-pandemic to 10% post-pandemic, with part-time work increasing to 55% and unemployment rising to 35%. Over 40% of the respondents reported new health issues, including 20% with interstitial lung disease, 12.5% with obstructive sleep apnea, and 10% with chronic fatigue. <bold>Conclusion:</bold> The findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive, long-term services for Long Covid patients to inform future research, therapy, and rehabilitation strategies.