Abstract:
Objectives: The interaction between SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VoC) and post-COVID symptom duration remains unexplored. This is the first study to evaluate post-COVID prevalence stratified by VoC and follow-up periods.
Methods: Six databases were searched (12/2019-12/2024) for studies of adults with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 and symptoms lasting ≥3 months. Data were stratified by VoC (Alpha through Omicron) and follow-up (<6 vs. ≥6 months) to estimate pooled prevalence using random-effects models.
Results: Pooled prevalence across 35 studies (n=159,000) was 28.5% (95% CI: 21.6-36.0), higher in pre-Omicron (35.5%) than Omicron (22.8%) eras (p=0.04). Symptoms persisted beyond six months in 29.9% of cases. Fatigue was the most prevalent symptom across all VoCs and follow-ups followed by brain fog, dyspnea, and sleep impairment. Pre-Omicron variants were linked to dyspnea and anosmia, while Omicron was associated with brain fog and paresthesia. Most symptoms showed no significant reduction beyond six months. Sleep problems were higher in early pre-Omicron cohorts but improved over time; conversely, palpitations and ocular manifestations increased in later pre-Omicron follow-ups.
Conclusions: Post-COVID condition remains a burden despite vaccination. Distinct symptomatology patterns across VoC and timelines highlight the need for tailored management strategies to mitigate long-term global impacts.
Source: Lugtu EJ, Iv DYP, Cabunoc MH, Bautista JL, Pleta FM, Ng JA, Shahid F, Carandang THDC, Lippi G, Henry BM, Fernández-de-Las-Peñas C, Notarte KI. Prevalence of Post-COVID Symptoms Across Variants of Concern and Follow-up Periods: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int J Infect Dis. 2026 Mar 10:108522. doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2026.108522. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41819160. https://www.ijidonline.com/article/S1201-9712(26)00157-8/fulltext (Full text)