Major study shows new insights into lasting impacts of COVID‐19 on UK population
A new analysis co-authored by Helen Ward, professor of Public Health at Imperial College London and member of the Jameel Institute, shows that tens of thousands of people in England may have lasting symptoms from COVID‐19 more than a year after infection, new analysis reveals.
Professor Helen Ward said: "The study has shown some big variation in people’s symptoms post-COVID. While we have gained valuable insights into the groups at risk of lasting symptoms, we are undertaking detailed interviews to further understand the variation in people’s experiences and the impact on their everyday lives. We are also planning further follow-up of people involved in the REACT studies to assess the broader longer-term impact of the pandemic on health and well-being.”
The study, which was published in Nature Communications, was co-authored by Christina Atchison and by Paul Elliott, also from the School of Public Health, and found that while the vast majority of people recovered from infection within two weeks, a significant proportion of the group tested (7.5%) reported persistent symptoms lasting 12 weeks or more ('Long COVID'), and 5% reported symptoms lasting more than a year.
Tens of thousands of people in England may have lasting symptoms from COVID‐19 more than a year after infection, new analysis reveals.
The findings come from a representative sample of more than a quarter of a million people in England surveyed as part of the REACT study, who self-reported their symptoms and the impact of COVID-19 on their health and quality of life.
The work, led by researchers at Imperial College London, finds that while the vast majority of people recovered from infection within two weeks, a significant proportion of the group (7.5%) reported persistent symptoms lasting 12 weeks or more (Long COVID), and 5% reported symptoms lasting more than a year.