Long-Lasting Symptoms in COVID-19 Patients After Hospitalization

Abstract

Background: Patients with COVID-19 may experience symptoms for a long time. Objectives: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of COVID-19 related problems after discharge from the hospital. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 194 hospitalized COVID-19 patients (110 [56.7%] men and 84 [43.3%] women) using the census method in 2021-2022. The patients were followed up for 4 weeks. Results: The mean age and body mass index (BMI) of the patients were 57.57 ± 16.79 years and 25.9 ± 4.64 kg/m2. The major complaint was fever (75,3%), followed by dyspnea (62%), general weakness (60.8%), cough (59.3%), and anorexia (49%). On admission, lung high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans were normal in 51 patients (26.3%). Regardless of the underlying disease, at least 1 symptom was present in 63 (32%) of patients at the end of the study. Increased appetite was observed in 16 (8.2%) patients at discharge and thereafter. Hair loss was reported in 2% at the beginning and 8% at the end of the study. Conclusions: Prolonged symptoms in COVID-19 patients are common and require long-term care.