[slides and audio] Attributes and predictors of long COVID

This study investigates the prevalence, risk factors, and predictability of long COVID, defined as symptoms lasting ≥28 days after the onset of COVID-19. Data from 4,182 individuals who reported positive for SARS-CoV-2 using the COVID Symptom Study app were analyzed. The study found that 13.3% of participants reported symptoms lasting ≥28 days, 4.5% for ≥8 weeks, and 2.3% for ≥12 weeks. Long COVID was characterized by fatigue, headache, dyspnea, and anosmia, and was more common in older individuals, those with higher body mass index (BMI), and females. Experiencing more than five symptoms during the first week of illness was associated with long COVID (odds ratio = 3.53). A simple model using symptom number, age, and sex at the 7-day mark could predict long COVID with an area under the curve of 76%, and this model was validated in an independent sample of 2,472 individuals. The findings suggest that early symptom patterns can be used to identify individuals at risk of long COVID, which could inform prevention and treatment trials and educational and rehabilitation services.This study investigates the prevalence, risk factors, and predictability of long COVID, defined as symptoms lasting ≥28 days after the onset of COVID-19. Data from 4,182 individuals who reported positive for SARS-CoV-2 using the COVID Symptom Study app were analyzed. The study found that 13.3% of participants reported symptoms lasting ≥28 days, 4.5% for ≥8 weeks, and 2.3% for ≥12 weeks. Long COVID was characterized by fatigue, headache, dyspnea, and anosmia, and was more common in older individuals, those with higher body mass index (BMI), and females. Experiencing more than five symptoms during the first week of illness was associated with long COVID (odds ratio = 3.53). A simple model using symptom number, age, and sex at the 7-day mark could predict long COVID with an area under the curve of 76%, and this model was validated in an independent sample of 2,472 individuals. The findings suggest that early symptom patterns can be used to identify individuals at risk of long COVID, which could inform prevention and treatment trials and educational and rehabilitation services.