This is an uncontrolled observational study with a small sample size. The results are concerning though. Over a month post hospital discharge, very few patients were back to normal. Most had more than 1 symptom. Average age was only 56. https://twitter.com/drtomfrieden/status/1281333800312745986

You kind of want to compare this to post hospital discharge for any pneumonia to get an accurate idea of how much worse this is. I mean, if you’re sick enough to be in hospital, it usually takes awhile to get back to normal.

In terms of underlying conditions, only 35% had high blood pressure. 18% had a thyroid condition. 11% had an immune disorder. COPD at 9%. Diabetes at 7%. Everything less was less than 5%. Obviously some over-representation of other illnesses, but not particularly frail.

Interestingly, Italy has an extremely high rate of high blood pressure. So that 35% may not be a huge over-representation compared to their baseline population.

179 people were eligible for follow up. They got data on 143.

Of the 36 missing, 14 refused to participate. Maybe they had no symptoms?

The other 22 were excluded because they still tested positive!!

More patients were STILL testing positive than were symptom free!!