Long COVID and Digestive Symptoms: What the Research Tells Us
Research summary exploring digestive manifestations of Long COVID, including gut microbiome changes, IBS risk and potential treatment approaches.
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Table of Contents
Study title: Sex Differences in Long Covid Prevalence Over 1-Year After the Acute Phase, and Related Risk Factors
Study overview
Design: Observational cohort study
Population: Adults followed 12 months post-infection
Source: International Journal of Women’s Health
Authors: Alvarez-Pedrerol et al., 2026
Link to full paper: https://doi.org/10.2147/IJWH.S538491
Key message: Women were more likely than men to report Long Covid symptoms one year after infection.
Aim of the study
Sex differences in Long Covid were assessed one year after infection, including prevalence, differences between males and females, and factors associated with persistence or recovery.
Who was included
- 2,698 people (both genders) in Spain who had COVID-19
- Participants reported ongoing symptoms one year after infection
- Data included both males and females across a range of ages
- Hospitalisation data were obtained from the Catalan Health System (the public healthcare system in Catalonia, Spain)
What did the researchers do?
- Participants completed questionnaires on ongoing symptoms
- Researchers assessed symptom persistence and recovery at 12 months
- Medical records were reviewed for clinical outcomes
- Statistical models were used to identify factors associated with Long Covid, analysed separately for males and females
What symptoms or outcomes were most common
- Ongoing symptoms up to one year after infection
- Fatigue was the most commonly reported symptom in both males and females
- Differences in the number and persistence of symptoms between sexes
- Recovery patterns at 12 months
Key findings
| Women were more likely than men to report Long Covid symptoms at 12 months |
| Women reported a higher number and persistence of symptoms, with fatigue most commonly reported |
| Recovery rates at 12 months were lower in women compared to men |
| In women, hypertension was associated with a lower likelihood of Long Covid |
| In men, more severe initial COVID-19 illness was associated with higher likelihood |
| Overall symptom patterns were broadly similar between males and females |
| No significant differences were observed in hospital admissions |
How should these results be interpreted
This was an observational study, (meaning researchers observed what happened without intervening, so findings show links rather than cause and effect).
These findings support evidence of sex differences in Long Covid, although causality remains uncertain.
- Symptoms were self-reported and may not be fully accurate
- The use of an open questionnaire means some symptoms may not have been captured consistently
- Results from Spain may not apply to all populations
What this means
For people living with Long Covid
- Women may be more likely to experience persistent Long Covid symptoms after one year.
For healthcare workers
- Some individuals may experience multiple ongoing symptoms, including fatigue.
For the healthcare system
- Recovery may vary and take longer for some individuals.
- Awareness of these differences may support improved recognition and care.
Important note: This summary is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. If you are concerned about your symptoms, please speak to a healthcare professional.
Summarised by S.Rajbally
