Long-term health effects of COVID-19 in Latvia

After the onset of acute COVID-19 some patients, especially those who were treated in Intensive care unit, experience symptoms for weeks or months. These patients are referred as “post-COVID-19 long haulers”. There is a lack of information on the long-term health outcomes of COVID-19. The aim of this study is to evaluate long-term health problems associated with Covid-19. A prospective study has been conducted within the framework of the National Research Program VPP-COVID-2020/1-0023. The sample included 51 patients of COVID‐19 (27 inpatients and 24 outpatients) with no less than 3 months in the post-infection period. The mean age was 41 years (20-66 years), 51% were males. We have analyzed their symptoms, objective information, and blood markers. Overall, 75% of participants reported complaints. Symptoms reported by patients were fatigue (n=14), exercise intolerance (n=17), weight changes (n= 9), hair loss (n=12), respiratory complications (n=15). Most of patients noted neurological consequences (n=20) such as memory problems (n=9), difficulty remembering new information (n=8), sleep disorders (n=7), dizziness (n=7), headaches (n=4) and some patients noted panic attacks (n=4) or feeling of depression (n=4). Many patients marked cardiovascular complications (n=17) such as arrhythmias (n=9), palpitations (n=14), high blood pressure (n=3). No association was found between long-term health effects and age or sex. There were no differences in the incidence of complaints between outpatients and hospitalized patients. The laboratory results showed that about 20% of patients in the post-infection period had changes in CD4+, CD8+ T cells’ count and immunoregulatory index (CD4/CD8) despite the normal range of C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 level. About 6% of patients can be classified as patients with immunodeficiency. Most of the COVID-19 patients (even without the critical disease) have different long-term effects. The significance of these symptoms is not well investigated, and further research is needed.