Considerations for epidemiological studies investigating emerging post-acute infection syndromes: Long Covid as a case study
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Epidemiological research studies into Long Covid, currently defined by prolonged symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection, have reported widely varying prevalence estimates. As well as rapidly evolving scientific knowledge of Long Covid, these differences are partly driven by substantial methodological heterogeneity between studies, including the outcome definition of Long Covid; duration of follow-up; study design, period and population; sampling frame; data source; and the statistical techniques employed. Having a robust understanding of the prevalence of and risk factors for Long Covid is essential for informing treatment pathways, service provision and policy decisions. In preparation for the public health response to future epidemics and pandemics, this review outlines key epidemiological and statistical considerations and recommendations when designing studies of emerging post-acute infection syndromes, focussing on Long Covid as a case study.
Date Issued
2026-04-01
Date Acceptance
2026-02-27
Citation
eClinicalMedicine, 2026, 94
ISSN
2589-5370
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Journal / Book Title
eClinicalMedicine
Volume
94
Copyright Statement
Crown Copyright © 2026 Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY li cense (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
License URL
Identifier
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/41884491
PII: S2589-5370(26)00080-5
Subjects
Epidemiology
Long Covid
Methodology
PAIS
Post-COVID-19 condition
Post-acute infection syndromes
Publication Status
Published
Coverage Spatial
England
Article Number
103833
Date Publish Online
2026-03-16