Document Type : Original Article (s)
Authors
1
Assistant Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Yazd Medical Science Branch, Islamic Azad University, Yazd, Iran
2
Resident, Department of Internal Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
3
Graduated of Medicine, Yazd Medical Science Branch, Islamic Azad University, Yazd, Iran
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to investigate the persistent clinical symptoms in patients hospitalized at Shohada Kargar Medical Center in Yazd due to COVID between 2020-2021.
Methods: This descriptive-cross-sectional retrospective study included 283 patients, and data were collected using a researcher's checklist.
Findings: The findings revealed that common stable clinical symptoms after 3 and 6 months included dyspnea, weakness, fatigue, cough, anxiety, and stress. Hair loss showed a significant increase in relative frequency at the three-month mark. Various symptoms were more prevalent in certain demographics, such as older individuals experiencing higher rates of hair loss, headache, and depressed mood. Women tended to report more weakness, fatigue, joint pain, and hair loss compared to men. Factors like the severity of primary disease, duration of hospitalization, and underlying conditions like high blood pressure and respiratory issues influenced the persistence of symptoms. The study highlighted the need for further research on the long-term effects of COVID, with female gender, age, hospitalization duration, and specific underlying diseases identified as key factors in symptom persistence. More investigations are necessary to fully understand the mechanisms and risk factors associated with the long-term effects of COVID.
Conclusion: Many COVID patients had persistent symptoms post-recovery, with some symptoms decreasing over time except for hair loss. Factors like gender, age, hospitalization duration, and underlying conditions influenced symptom persistence. More research is required to understand the long-term effects, known as the COVID-long syndrome.
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