IntroductionIncreasing evidence on long-term health outcomes following SARS CoV-2 infection shows post-viral symptoms can persist for months. These symptoms are often consistent with those of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). The aim of the present study was to examine the prevalence and outcome predictors of post-viral fatigue and related symptoms 3- and 6-months following symptom onset.MethodsA prospective cohort of patients hospitalized with Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) (n = 88) were recruited from a Post-COVID-19 Respiratory Clinic (PCRC) in Vancouver, Canada to examine predictors of long-term fatigue and substantial fatigue. Multivariable mixed effects analyses examined the relationship between patient predictors, including pre-existing comorbidities, patient reported outcome measures, and fatigue and substantial fatigue at follow-up.ResultsThe number of patients experiencing fatigue or substantial fatigue at 3 months post-infection were 58 (67%) and 14 (16%) respectively. At 6 months these numbers declined to 47 (60%) patients experiencing fatigue and 6 (6%) experiencing substantial fatigue. Adjusted analysis, for sex, age, and time, revealed the number of pre-existing comorbidities to be associated with fatigue (OR 2.21; 95% CI 1.09–4.49; 0.028) and substantial fatigue (OR 1.73; 95% CI 1.06–2.95; 0.033) at 3 months follow-up. Except for shortness of breath, self-care, and follow-up time, all follow-up variables were found to be associated with fatigue and substantial fatigue at 3 months.ConclusionFatigue and substantial fatigue are common after COVID-19 infection but often diminish over time. A significant number of patients continue to exhibit long-term fatigue at 6 months follow-up. Further research is needed to clarify the causality of viral infections in the development and severity of fatigue as a symptom and in meeting post-viral fatigue syndrome or ME/CFS diagnostic criteria.

Background: Increasing evidence on long-term health outcomes, following SARS CoV-2 infection, shows post-viral symptoms can persist for months. The aim of the present study was to examine prevalence and outcome predictors of post-viral fatigue and related symptoms 3 and 6 months following infection. Methods: A prospective cohort of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 (n=88) were recruited from a Post-COVID-19 Respiratory Clinic (PCRC) in Vancouver, Canada to examine predictors of long-term fatigue and substantial fatigue. Multivariable logistic and linear regression analysis were used to examine the relationship between patient predictors (medical history at the time of hospitalization and follow-up patient reported outcome measures) and the presentation of fatigue and substantial fatigue at 3 and 6 months follow-up. Results: The number of patients exhibiting fatigue and substantial fatigue were 58 (67%) and 14 (16%) at 3 months and 47 (60%) and 6 (7%) at 6 months post infection, respectively. Adjusted analysis revealed the number of pre-existing comorbidities to be associated with fatigue (OR 2.21; 95% CI 1.09-4.49; 0.028) and substantial fatigue (OR 1.73; 95% CI 1.06-2.95; 0.033) at 3 months follow-up. With the exception of shortness of breath, self-care, and time, all follow-up variables were found to be associated with fatigue and substantial fatigue at 3 months follow-up. Conclusion: Fatigue and substantial fatigue are common, and decrease from 3 to 6 months; however, a significant number of patients continue to exhibit long-term fatigue at 6 months follow-up. Further research is needed to clarify causality of viral infections and co-factors in the development and severity of fatigue as a symptom and in meeting post-viral fatigue syndrome or ME/CFS diagnostic criteria.