Long-term Sequelae of Post-Covid-19 Subjects from 19 Centres Across India

Background: A significant number after the infection patients who have COVID-19 report persistent symptoms that remain for a long time. We aimed to study the number of patients and their presenting symptoms after COVID-19 infection visiting pulmonary clinics across India. Methods: A nationwide, multicenter, observational study was conducted and data collected from 314 post-COVID-19 subjects from 19 respiratory outpatient clinics across India. A structured questionnaire was used to collect retrospective and cross-sectional data on the clinical presentation related to Post COVID-19 sequelae. Results: Fig.1&2 lists the most common symptoms related to specific systems and their presentation timeline after COVID-19, 45% of the patients visited a physician between 12-18 months post-COVID-19 and 85% did so for respiratory symptoms. In prior vaccinated subjects 20% had severe post-COVID-19 symptoms versus 80% who were not vaccinated (p<0.05). Conclusion: Long-term respiratory sequelae of COVID-19 are common in India and 75% present after 12 months, with 12-18 months being most critical period. This shows importance of long-term patient monitoring after COVID-19 infection.