International Journal of Chemical and Biochemical Sciences (ISSN 2226-9614)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

VOLUME 29(24) (2026)

Prevalence of Long COVID Symptoms After SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Rasha Sayed Mohamed, Issam Alsaed Barrimah, Hussain Aamar

Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Egypt.

Abstract

            Long COVID (post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection, PASC) is a multisystem condition characterized by persistent symptoms beyond the acute phase of infection. To estimate the global prevalence of long COVID symptoms and describe the most frequent symptom domains among adults with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. A systematic review and meta-analysis conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies published between January 2020 and December 2025 that reported post-acute symptoms ≥4 weeks after confirmed or suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection in adults.  Pooled prevalence was calculated using a random-effects model with inverse-variance weighting, and heterogeneity was assessed with the I² statistic. Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria; 11 provided sufficient data for meta-analysis after exclusion of pediatric cohorts, studies for clinical investigation and treatment. The pooled prevalence of any long COVID symptom was approximately 60% in adult populations, with estimates ranging from 48% to 73% across studies and substantial heterogeneity related to setting and follow-up duration. Fatigue, dyspnea, cognitive dysfunction, chest pain, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression were consistently the most prevalent symptom clusters. Long COVID symptoms affect a considerable proportion of adults after SARS-CoV-2 infection, with fatigue and respiratory complaints predominating. Standardized case definitions, harmonized follow-up protocols, and robust surveillance systems are needed to refine prevalence estimates and to support health-system planning.

Keywords: long COVID; prevalence; SARS-CoV-2; post-acute sequelae; systematic review; meta-analysis.

Review article             *Corresponding Author, e-mail: drrasha411@gmail.com; Doi # https://doi.org/10.62877/4-IJCBS-26-30-24-4

Submitted: 05-09-2026; Accepted: 08-10-2026; Published: 10-10-2026