This study, conducted by researchers from Johns Hopkins University and the Henry M. Jackson Foundation, aimed to characterize the incidence and duration of long COVID symptoms and their impact on quality of life (QoL) in a diverse cohort of unvaccinated individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 in 2020. The study followed 70 participants from 1 to 24 months post-infection, using validated tools to assess symptoms, QoL, and biomarkers. Key findings include: - 33% of participants experienced long COVID, defined as not returning to pre-COVID health status and reporting at least one symptom >90 days post-infection. - Long COVID symptoms peaked at 6 months post-infection, often causing activity limitations. - Having long COVID was significantly associated with decreased QoL in multiple domains. - Pre-COVID obesity and hyperlipidemia were risk factors for long COVID. - Orthostatic hypotension and tachycardia frequencies were consistent with general population estimates. - Within-person weight increased significantly between months 1 and 6. - Long COVID was not associated with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels 1–3 months post-infection. The study highlights the significant proportion of individuals who continue to experience long COVID symptoms and their impact on QoL even 2 years after infection.This study, conducted by researchers from Johns Hopkins University and the Henry M. Jackson Foundation, aimed to characterize the incidence and duration of long COVID symptoms and their impact on quality of life (QoL) in a diverse cohort of unvaccinated individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 in 2020. The study followed 70 participants from 1 to 24 months post-infection, using validated tools to assess symptoms, QoL, and biomarkers. Key findings include: - 33% of participants experienced long COVID, defined as not returning to pre-COVID health status and reporting at least one symptom >90 days post-infection. - Long COVID symptoms peaked at 6 months post-infection, often causing activity limitations. - Having long COVID was significantly associated with decreased QoL in multiple domains. - Pre-COVID obesity and hyperlipidemia were risk factors for long COVID. - Orthostatic hypotension and tachycardia frequencies were consistent with general population estimates. - Within-person weight increased significantly between months 1 and 6. - Long COVID was not associated with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels 1–3 months post-infection. The study highlights the significant proportion of individuals who continue to experience long COVID symptoms and their impact on QoL even 2 years after infection.