COVID-19 survivors tracked for 3 years to uncover hidden health impacts
NCT ID NCT04411147
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Sep 17, 2026 · Updated 10 times
Summary
This study follows 583 adults who recovered from COVID-19 or were close contacts. Researchers will track their health, mental well-being, and immune responses over 3 years to understand long-term effects and whether prior infection prevents reinfection. Participants undergo regular tests including blood work, lung function, and mental health interviews.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this study could reveal how long immunity lasts after COVID-19 and what long-term health problems survivors may face.
- What could go wrong
- This is an observational study, not a treatment trial. It may not find clear answers due to the complexity of long COVID and varying participant experiences.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Participants
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583 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jun 2020
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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A government research agency
The lead sponsor is the US National Institutes of Health.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
Who is studied
Primary Clinical
- Ages
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18 to 120 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
* INCLUSION CRITERIA: In order to be eligible to participate in this study, all individuals must meet all of the following criteria: 1. Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study 2. Age 18 years or older. 3. Ability of participant to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document. 4. Hemoglobin of 9.0 gm/dl or higher 5. Willingness to give consent for the storage of blood samples for research. 6. Have a physician or clinic outside NIH to manage underlying medical conditions or agreeing to establish care with an outside physician or clinic for any medical conditions requiring treatment that may be diagnosed as a result of protocol participation. COVID-19 Survivor Group 1. Documented prior COVID-19 as evidenced by: 1. detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA or antigen in nasopharyngeal swab, sputum or other sample source with EUA/approval from the FDA; or 2. a positive antibody test using an assay that has received emergency use authorization (EUA) from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and a history clinical manifestation compatible with COVID-19. 2. Greater than 6 weeks since onset of COVID-19 symptoms and no fever for at least 1 week. For individuals with asymptomatic infection, screening will not occur until at least 4 weeks after the last positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR or antigen test. COVID-19 Close Contact 1. Living in the same household as a COVID-19 survivor during the time of illness or, being within approximately 6 feet (2 meters) of a COVID-19 case for a prolonged period of time or having direct contact with infectious secretions of a COVID-19 case (e.g., being coughed on). 2. No diagnosis of COVID-19 or current symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 EXCLUSION CRITERIA: An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study: 1. Current abuse of alcohol or other drugs that, in the judgement of the Principal Investigator (PI) could interfere with patient compliance. 2. Inability to travel to the NIH Clinical Center for study visits 3. Any medical or mental health condition that, in the judgement of the PI, would make the volunteer unable to participate in the study. 4. Positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR at screening visit 5. Positive test for antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein at the screening visit (control group only). 6. History of any of the following in the past 14 days: fever \> 38.2 degrees Celsius; new or worsening respiratory symptoms (e.g. cough, dyspnea). 7. Pregnancy
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- Home antibody tests put to the test: can you read your own COVID-19 result?
- Can lung ultrasound reveal COVID-19's signature in the lungs?
- When the immune system Can't fight back: tracking three respiratory viruses
- The household maze: how does COVID-19 move between family members?