'COVID-19 Epicenter' 55% of Wuhan Infected Patients Experience Aftereffects Even 2 Years After Recovery

Fatigue, Lethargy, and Sleep Disorders

Huanan Market, Wuhan, China.
Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] In Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, where the coronavirus was first reported, more than half of the people who were infected with COVID-19 and recovered are still experiencing aftereffects even two years later.

On the 12th, according to China's Pengpai News and others, Professor Chao Bin of the China-Japan Friendship Hospital and Professor Wang Jianwei of the Beijing Union Medical College of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences stated, "Research results show that more than half of COVID-19 survivors take more than two years to fully recover after being cured," adding, "Their health status after two years is significantly lower than that of the general population."

The research team conducted interviews at intervals of 6 months, 12 months, and 2 years after recovery with 1,192 confirmed COVID-19 patients who were hospitalized between January 7 and May 29, 2020. Among them, 1,119 people, accounting for 94%, responded to the interview even after two years.

As a result, 650 people, or 55% of the study subjects, were found to be experiencing at least one aftereffect even two years later. At the 6-month mark, 68% were experiencing aftereffects.

The most commonly reported aftereffects were fatigue and muscle weakness, accounting for 31%. Sleep disorders were also reported at the same rate. Other symptoms included joint pain, heart palpitations, dizziness, and headaches.

Psychological issues were also observed. 12% of the recovered patients were still experiencing anxiety or depression two years later. At the 6-month point, 23% were suffering from anxiety and depression.

The research team judged that the physical and mental health of discharged COVID-19 patients improves over time regardless of the initial severity of the disease, but their health after two years remains significantly lower than that of the general population.

Dr. Chao said, "Additional rehabilitation programs should be prepared for people experiencing long-term aftereffects."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.