In December 2024, 3% of adults indicated that they had symptoms for more than three months after a SARS-CoV-2 infection (post-COVID). Another 4% had had post-COVID before, but had recovered from it. Most post-COVID recovery occurs within six months, but we also see recovery after symptoms that lasted longer. These findings are from the fourteenth quarterly survey. The results of this study are part of Health Research for COVID-19.
Summary of research round 14, December 2024
Recovery also possible after more than six months of post-COVID
In December 2024, adults were asked if they had experienced long-term symptoms after a SARS-CoV-2 infection, such as tiredness, concentration problems, irritability or shortness of breath. If these symptoms persist for longer than three months, it is called post-COVID, also sometimes referred to as Long COVID. In total, 3% had post-COVID at that time, and 4% indicated they had recovered from post-COVID.
Slightly more than half (51%) of the recovered adults had recovered within six months. Recovery took longer for the other 49%, including 4% who had recovered from their post-COVID symptoms after three years. Although most of the recovery took place in the first half-year after the onset of symptoms, recovery still took place after that.
The adults who still suffered from long-term symptoms after a SARS-CoV-2 infection (3%) had often had symptoms for extended time periods. 36% had had symptoms for longer than three years. Only 2% developed symptoms in the six months before completing the survey, which marks a decrease in how many adults are still contracting post-COVID. Two-thirds of adults with post-COVID feel moderately to severely restricted in their daily lives as a result of these symptoms.