Severity and duration of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection symptoms: Focus on physiological and cognitive effects

Abstract

The SARS-CoV-2 virus, responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, has impacted the health of millions globally, with many individuals experiencing persistent symptoms even after testing negative, a condition known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), or long COVID. This study analyzes demographic influences on the severity and duration of PASC symptoms, with an emphasis on physiological and cognitive effects. Using a self-reporting survey method, data were collected from a sample of 110 participants and analyzed using statistical methods such as exploratory factor analysis, Pearson correlation, and two-factor analysis of variance. The participants were primarily based in California, and a majority of them were ethnically Asian. The study found that females generally reported higher severity of cognitive and physiological symptoms compared to males, while symptom severity was generally lower among vaccinated individuals. Correlation analysis revealed a significant relationship between depression and cognitive impairments, underscoring the psychological impact of PASC. This study emphasizes the complexity of PASC, demonstrating how demographic characteristics such as age, gender, and vaccination status influence the severity and duration of symptoms, thereby contributing to the growing understanding of PASC. Further research should consider SARS-CoV-2 variant-specific impacts and broader population samples.

Keywords

COVID-19 / Long COVID / PASC / Brain fog / Symptoms / COVID severity / COVID duration