Do Comorbidities and Daily Medication before SARS-CoV-2 Infection Play a Role in Self-Reported Post-Infection Symptoms?

This study investigated the associations between health status before SARS-CoV-2 infection and persistent symptoms after acute infection. Data were collected from participants older than 18 years and more than 28 days after acute SARS-CoV-2 infection using an online survey. Sociodemographic data, comorbidities, and daily medication before infection, as well as acute and persistent symptoms were analysed. Among the 1050 participants (mean age 41 years, 88% women, 56% with higher education, 93% working), 538 (51%) reported being healthy and 762 (73%) reported not taking any daily medication prior to infection. Positive laboratory testing was reported by 965 (92%) participants; asymptomatic infection was reported by 30 (3%); and 999 (95%) stayed at home during their acute infection. Reduced physical capacity (40%), fatigue (39%), cognitive difficulties (30-34%), altered sense of smell (24%), headache (20%), tachycardia (20%), unstable mood (19%), hair loss (17%), and insomnia (17%) were the most often reported symptoms. Those taking daily medication before infection reported increased frequency of both acute and persistent symptoms, except for decreased frequency of persistent altered smell and taste. The presence of persistent symptoms was predicted by taking daily medication before infection and by the total number of acute symptoms. Comorbidities before infection did not predict persistent symptoms. Therefore, the role of medication needs further investigation in both acute SARS-CoV-2 infection and post-COVID-19 condition.