Researchers carrying out Imperial College London’s React-2 study used self-reported information from 508,707 individuals aged over 18 who participated in rounds three to five of the project. Those phases of the study, yet to be peer-reviewed, were conducted between September 2020 and February 2021.

       Around a fifth of those taking part in the study reported having had a symptom of the disease previously.

       More than a third of participants said their symptoms lasted at least 12 weeks.

       Around a tenth of those surveyed with symptoms reported that they lasted at least 12 weeks and were severe.

       Professor Paul Elliott, director of the React programme at Imperial, said: “Our findings do paint a concerning picture of the longer-term health consequences of Covid-19, which need to be accounted for in policy and planning.

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