Matta J, Wiernik E, Robineau O, et al. - Researchers investigated if and how self-reported COVID-19 infection and SARS-CoV-2 serology test results are linked with persistent physical symptoms (eg, fatigue, breathlessness, or impaired attention) in the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• In this cross-sectional analysis, researchers included 26,823 individuals from the French population-based CONSTANCES cohort, who participated in the nested SAPRIS and SAPRIS-SERO surveys.

• Most persistent physical symptoms were recorded in correlation with self-reported COVID-19 infection, whereas only anosmia was observed in correlation with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection.

• Self-rated health or depressive symptoms did not influence these associations.

• Based on findings, researchers recommend not to ascribe persistent physical symptoms after COVID-19 infection automatically to SARS-CoV-2 and suggest performing a complete medical evaluation to prevent erroneously attributing symptoms to the virus.