Prevalence of COVID-19 and Long COVID in Collegiate Student Athletes from Spring 2020 to Fall 2021: A Retrospective Survey

Abstract

Background. Symptomatic COVID-19 and post-COVID conditions, also referred to as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC) or Long COVID, have been widely reported in young, healthy people, but their prevalence has not yet been determined in student athletes. We sought to estimate the prevalence of reported COVID-19, symptomatic COVID-19, and Long COVID in college athletes in the United States attending 18 schools from spring 2020 to fall 2021. Methods. We developed an online survey to measure the prevalence of student athletes who tested positive for COVID-19, developed Long COVID, and did not return to their sport during the relevant time period. We surveyed a convenience sample of 18 collegiate school administrators, representing about 7,000 student athletes. Results. According to the survey responses, there were 9.8% of student athletes who tested positive for COVID-19 in spring 2020 and 25.4% who tested positive in the academic year of fall 2020 to spring 2021. About 4% of student athletes who tested positive from spring 2020 to spring 2021 developed Long COVID, defined as new, recurring, or ongoing physical or mental health consequences occurring 4 or more weeks after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Conclusions. This study highlights that Long COVID occurs among young, healthy athletes and is a real consequence of COVID-19. Understanding the prevalence, duration, and lasting consequences of Long COVID requires longer follow-up and further study.