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This page presents an AI-generated summary of a published research paper. The original authors did not write or review this article. [See full disclosure ↓]

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Long-term physical health was similar after COVID-19 and other infections

Psychology research
Photo by Peter Burdon on Unsplash · Unsplash License
Research area:MedicineLong-Term Effects of COVID-19Mental health

What the study found

Long-term self-rated physical health and work-related functioning were similar in people who tested positive for COVID-19 and those who had similar respiratory symptoms but tested negative. Mental health scores were slightly lower in the COVID-19 group after adjustment for working status.

Why the authors say this matters

The authors conclude that the impact of COVID-19 on long-term physical health and work-related functioning appears comparable to that seen after other respiratory infections with similar early symptoms. They also say their results emphasize the need for comprehensive rehabilitation strategies focusing on symptom management, regardless of the specific viral cause.

What the researchers tested

The researchers carried out a questionnaire study about two years after patients were tested for COVID-19 in a Danish hospital during the first wave of the pandemic, between March 1 and May 31, 2020. They used validated questionnaires for self-assessed health status (SF-12, a standard health questionnaire) and work-related functional ability (WORQ), and compared answers from COVID-positive and non-COVID-positive participants.

What worked and what didn't

A total of 463 participants responded, giving a response rate of 17%. After adjustment for relevant confounders, there were no significant differences between PCR-COVID-negative and PCR-positive participants in work-related functional ability or self-assessed physical health. Mental health status was slightly higher in non-COVID-19 participants than in COVID-positive participants after adjustment for working status (49.3 vs. 47.5, p < 0.009).

What to keep in mind

The response rate was low, and the abstract does not describe further limitations. The findings come from participants tested in one Danish hospital during the first wave of the pandemic, so the scope is limited to that setting and time period.

Key points

  • The study found no significant long-term differences in physical health or work-related functioning between COVID-positive and COVID-negative participants.
  • Mental health scores were slightly higher in the non-COVID-19 group after adjustment for working status.
  • The study used questionnaires completed about two years after testing, including SF-12 and WORQ.
  • Among 463 respondents, the response rate was 17%.
  • The authors say the findings support rehabilitation focused on symptom management regardless of viral cause.

Disclosure

Research title:
Long-term physical health was similar after COVID-19 and other infections
Authors:
Astrid Rosenberg Eskildsen, Tanja K. Carøe, Ole Steen Mortensen
Institutions:
Queen Astrid Military Hospital, Holbæk Sygehus, University of Copenhagen
Publication date:
2026-02-23
DOI:
10.1186/s12889-026-26351-2
OpenAlex record:
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Image credit:
Photo by Peter Burdon on Unsplash · Unsplash License
AI provenance: This post was generated by OpenAI. The original authors did not write or review this post.

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