Background: The SARS-COV2 pandemic has been ongoing worldwide since at least 2 years. In severe cases, this infection triggers acute respiratory distress syndrome and quasi-systemic damage with a wide range of symptoms. Long-term physical and psychological consequences of this infection are therefore naturally present among these patients. The aim of this study was to describe the state of health of these patients at 6 (M6) and 12 months (M12) after infection onset, and compare quality-of-life (QOL) and fatigue at these time-points. Methods: A prospective cohort study was set up at Reims University Hospital. Patients were clinically assessed at M6 and M12. Three scores were calculated to describe patient’s status: the modified Medical Research Council score (mMRC) used to determine dyspnoea state, the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and the Short Form 12 (SF12) that was carried out to determine the QOL both mentally and physically (MCS12 and PCS12). Descriptive analysis and comparison of scores between M6 and M12 were made. Results: 120 patients completed both follow-up consultations. Overall, about 40% of the patients presented dyspnoea symptoms. The median mMRC score was 1 Interquartile ranges (IQR) = [0–2] at the two assessment. Concerning FSS scores, 35% and 44% of patients experienced fatigue at both follow-ups. The two scores of SF12 were lower than the general population standard scores. The mean PCS12 score was 42.85 (95% confidence interval (95% CI [41.05–44.65])) and mean MCS12 score of 46.70 (95% CI [45.34–48.06]) at 6 months. At 12 months, the mean PCS12 score was 42.18 (95% confidence interval (95% CI [40.46–43.89])) and mean MCS12 score of 47.13 (95% CI [45.98–48.28]). No difference was found between SF12 scores at 6 and 12 months. Conclusions: This study pinpoints the persistence of fatigue and a low mental and physical QOL compared to population norms even after 1 year following infection. It also supports the claims of mental or psychological alterations due to infection by this new virus, hence a lower overall QOL in patients.

Background: Data describing patients hospitalized in medical rehabilitation wards after the acute phase of COVID-19 could help to better understand the rehabilitation needs in the current pandemic situation. Methods: Cohort including all patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in a single, large university hospital in Northeast France from 25 February to 30 April 2020. Results: 479 patients were admitted with COVID-19 during the study period, of whom 128 died (26.7%). Among the 351 survivors, 111 were referred to rehabilitation units, including 63 (17.9%) referred to physical and rehabilitation medicine (PRM) units. The median age of patients referred to rehabilitation units was 72 years. Patients who had been in intensive care, or who had had a long hospital stay, required referral to PRM units. Two biomarkers were associated with referral to rehabilitation units, namely, elevated troponin (p = 0.03) and impaired renal function (p = 0.03). Age was associated with referral to PRM units (p = 0.001). Conclusions: Almost one-third of COVID-19 patients required post-acute care, but only one-fifth had access to PRM units. The optimal strategy for post-acute management of COVID-19 patients remains to be determined. The need for rehabilitation wards during a pandemic is a primary concern in enabling the long-term functioning of infected patients.