Health promotion and chronic disease prevention in Canada : research, policy and practiceMar 12, 2025

Worldwide rates of long COVID symptoms: a review and combined analysis of forward-looking studies

Updated Jan 13, 2026

Abstract

More than half of COVID-19 survivors experienced one or more persistent symptoms over a year after their initial infection.

A total of 483,531 individuals with confirmed COVID-19 were followed in the included studies.
The most common persistent symptoms reported were fatigue, shortness of breath, memory issues, sleep disturbances, concentration difficulties, depression, and pain.
Limitations in returning to work were frequently observed among those with post-COVID-19 condition.
Prevalence of symptoms was higher in females, individuals hospitalized during their initial infection, and those who experienced severe COVID-19 illness.
The evidence assessed was derived from studies that varied in quality, with 63% classified as high or moderate quality.

Simplified

INTRODUCTION: We investigated the prevalence of new or persistent manifestations experienced by COVID-19 survivors at 3 or more months after their initial infection, collectively known as post-COVID-19 condition (PCC).

METHODS: We searched four electronic databases and major grey literature resources for prospective studies, systematic reviews, authoritative reports and population surveys. A random-effects meta-analysis pooled the prevalence data of 22 symptoms and outcomes. The GRADE approach was used to assess the certainty of evidence. PROSPERO CRD42021231476.

RESULTS: Of 20 731 identified references, 194 met our inclusion criteria. These studies followed 483 531 individuals with confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis over periods of up to 2 years. Most focused on adults, nearly two-thirds were conducted in Europe and 63% were of high or moderate quality. The supplementary search identified 17 systematic reviews, five authoritative reports and four population surveys that reported on PCC prevalence. Our analysis revealed that more than half of COVID-19 survivors experienced one or more symptoms more than a year after their initial infection. The most common symptoms were fatiguedyspneamemory, sleep or concentration disturbances; depressionand pain. Limitation in returning to work was the most common outcome. Prevalence tended to be higher among females, individuals hospitalized during their initial infection and those who experienced severe COVID-19 illness.

CONCLUSION: PCC presents a significant health burden, affecting some groups more than others. This information will help inform health care system policies and services for people living with PCC and those caring for them.

Full Text

We can’t show the full text here under this license.

View Full Text ↗

Worldwide rates of long COVID symptoms: a review and combined analysis of forward-looking studies

Abstract

Full Text

You found one interesting study. We’ll send the next 7.

what lands in your inbox each week:

Recent issues from the long covid brief

Abstract

Full Text

Related papers

You found one interesting study. We’ll send the next 7.

what lands in your inbox each week:

Recent issues from the long covid brief