This meta-analysis examines the prolonged impacts of COVID-19. IT reviews 14 studies of different kinds that were published between September 2023 and August 2024, these encompass systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and single studies. The analysis identifies a core set of four common and persistent symptoms: fatigue, poor concentration/memory, shortness of breath, and loss of taste or smell. 

The report presents a detailed analysis of findings from the included studies, along with a discussion of their limitations. These include the heterogeneity of study populations, differences in the time intervals used to measure symptom duration, and variations in prevalence measures used.  

By contributing to a more precise definition of long COVID, the report supports more accurate diagnosis and treatment for sufferers.

Key findings

• Inconsistency in long COVID definitions and research methodologies have made it difficult to accurately measure. 
• The symptoms most commonly attributable to prior COVID-19 infection in adults are: fatigue, poor concentration/memory, shortness of breath and loss of taste or smell.
• In children and adolescents, the symptoms may also include cough and headache.
• A significant proportion of the population also suffer from additional unexplained symptoms that they did not experience prior to the pandemic.
• A noted correlation exists between physical and mental wellbeing in individuals with persistent symptoms.