Previously healthy unvaccinated adults have significant functional limitations in the medium and long term after mild COVID-19.

Abstract

Background and objectives: Ongoing symptoms of COVID-19 can persist for weeks or months after the initial COVID-19 infection. The aim of this study was to identify persistent symptoms (fatigue, cognition, quality of life, anxiety, depression and physical measures) in unvaccinated community-managed patients following COVID-19 infection.

Method: This was a prospective nested observational study of health and wellbeing measures determined seven and 13 months after COVID-19 infection, alongside physical abilities after 18 months.

Results: Data analyses were completed on 62 participants (60% female, median age 35 years). Severe fatigue was noted in 47% of participants at seven months and this had not improved significantly by 13 months (45%). Quality of life and mental health scores were significantly worse in individuals with severe fatigue. One-quarter of participants demonstrated mild cognitive impairment at seven months. After 18 months, walking and lung function were normal, but grip strength was reduced in 26% of participants.

Discussion: A significant proportion of unvaccinated COVID-19 patients had not returned to pre-illness levels of health and function after one year; screening functional ability and mental wellbeing is warranted in unvaccinated people with COVID-19.