(Yicai Global) Jan. 11 -- Most early survivors of Covid-19 in China were still dealing with the aftermath of the disease six months after checking out of the hospital, according to the findings of a new report published in the Lancet medical journal.

Three-quarters of the first 1,700-plus Covid-19 patients discharged reported lingering symptoms, such as fatigue and depression, half a year after returning home, according to the study by a research team led by Cao Bin, director of the respiratory medicine department of Beijing's China-Japan Friendship Hospital.

More than 60 percent of participants in the study said they had fatigue or muscle weakness. Over a quarter suffered from insomnia, while almost another quarter said they were dealing with anxiety or depression. The most serious issue was breathing difficulties.

But the study could not prove that these symptoms were directly caused by the new coronavirus, according to the researchers. After suggesting prolonged post-hospital care in November, Cao reiterated that it is necessary to continue caring for former Covid-19 patients.

Sequelae, or conditions that result from previous diseases, that mostly affect the lungs and mental health are unavoidable, especially among critically ill patients, Yan Xuebing, director of the infectious diseases department at the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, told Yicai Global. Lingering effects could become permanent, Yan added.

The report was published in the Lancet on Jan. 9.

Editor: Emmi Laine