Characterization of Long COVID by Clinical Examination and Self-Perceived Severity Stratified by Infection Wave: Beyond COVID, a Prospective, Multicenter Cohort Study in Germany

Background Long COVID refers to persistent or new-onset symptoms three months after SARS-CoV-2 infection lasting for at least two months. The prevalence of Long COVID ranges across studies, while the associated risk factors are not well understood. Methods The study population of Beyond COVID was recruited in six German cities by inviting (1) individuals registered as SARS-CoV-2 PCR positive at the local Public Health Authorities and (2) previously hospitalized patients with infection date between 1st March 2021 and 31st May 2022. Participants were allocated to the predominant variant of concern (VOC) of their first infection. Blood exams and questionnaires to assess persisting symptoms, quality of life (QOL), and psychosocial factors were performed. This publication describes the parameters at baseline visit (BV). Results We included 1258 participants (13.4% hospitalized-based; 86.6% population-based). Most participants had BA.2 (34.6%), followed by Delta (26.8%), BA.1 (18.9%), and Alpha (17.3%). The mean age was 47.1, and 59% were female. 68.8% reported at least one persisting symptom. Fatigue was the most frequent ongoing symptom (32.8%), followed by concentration disorders (25.4%) and dyspnoea (22%). Female sex, lower education, and a shorter period between infection and BV were associated with higher rates of persisting symptoms and symptom-severity. BA.1 and BA.2 had lower rates of persisting symptoms and symptom severity. Conclusion Analysis of baseline data from the Beyond-COVID cohort confirms a high percentage of persistent symptoms. Omicron variants had lower rates of persistent symptoms and symptom severity. Long-term follow-up of study participants will contribute to the characterization of Long COVID.