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Resolved 1 in 7 American's Have Long COVID U09.9

Alicia

Alicia

Director of Education
Staff member
In the shadows of the COVID-19 pandemic, a staggering revelation emerges—over 47 million Americans have grappled with the enduring effects of the virus, known as "Long COVID." Beyond the acute phase of the infection, some individuals face prolonged challenges, manifesting in a myriad of symptoms affecting various facets of their well-being. This narrative unveils the complexities surrounding Long COVID, exploring a recent PLOS ONE study that paints a vivid picture of its prevalence and the profound consequences it leaves in its wake.

Long COVID manifests itself in diverse forms, with those afflicted commonly reporting bodily symptoms such as persistent fatigue, worsening symptoms post-exertion, fever, and more. Respiratory and heart issues, including difficulty breathing, cough, chest pain, and palpitations, join forces with neurological symptoms like "brain fog," headaches, sleep disturbances, and psychological struggles such as anxiety and depression. Digestive symptoms, joint pain, rashes, and changes in menstrual cycles add to the multifaceted nature of this condition.

A groundbreaking study published in PLOS ONE delves into the staggering numbers—revealing that by the end of 2022, one in seven Americans had experienced Long COVID. Drawing on data from 461,550 individuals, the research meticulously compared those who never contracted COVID-19, those with a non-persistent infection, and those currently or previously afflicted with Long COVID. The findings, unveiled in the study, indicate that nearly half of the surveyed population had encountered COVID-19 at some point, with 14% having experienced Long COVID, and 7% still grappling with its persistent symptoms.

The study further suggests that a troubling one in three individuals contracting COVID-19 might endure lingering Long COVID symptoms. Notably, those with a history of Long COVID were more prone to negative affect, physical mobility issues, and difficulties in daily activities like dressing and bathing. Memory and concentration problems, as well as challenges in communication, were also associated with the enduring effects of Long COVID.

Demographic disparities paint a vivid picture of Long COVID's reach—more prevalent in women, middle-aged individuals, and those with lower incomes or educational attainment. Geographic variations showcase higher rates in West Virginia (18%) compared to Hawaii (11%). Strikingly, individuals with severe initial COVID-19 symptoms were significantly more likely to develop Long COVID, emphasizing the lingering impact of the virus.

As we navigate the intricate landscape of Long COVID, this study not only unravels the prevalence and profound consequences but also underscores the urgency of recognizing and addressing the challenges faced by those enduring the silent struggle of Long COVID.

REFERENCE:
ABSTRACT: Although yet to be clearly identified as a clinical condition, there is immense concern at the health and wellbeing consequences of long COVID. Using data collected from nearly half a million Americans in the period June 2022-December 2022 in the US Census Bureau's Household Pulse Survey (HPS), we find 14 percent reported suffering long COVID at some point, half of whom reported it at the time of the survey. Its incidence varies markedly across the United States-from 11 percent in Hawaii to 18 percent in West Virginia-and is higher for women than men, among Whites compared with Blacks and Asians, and declines with rising education and income. It is at its highest in midlife in the same way as negative affect. Ever having had long COVID is strongly associated with negative affect (anxiety, depression, worry and a lack of interest in things), with the correlation being strongest among those who currently report long COVID, especially if they report severe symptoms. In contrast, those who report having had short COVID report higher wellbeing than those who report never having had COVID. Long COVID is also strongly associated with physical mobility problems, and with problems dressing and bathing. It is also associated with mental problems as indicated by recall and understanding difficulties. Again, the associations are strongest among those who currently report long COVID, while those who said they had had short COVID have fewer physical and mental problems than those who report never having had COVID. Vaccination is associated with lower negative affect, including among those who reported having had long COVID.
 
It will be interesting to see what experts have discovered in another 5, 10, or 20 years about the lasting effects of COVID. I presume there are plenty more challenges to come, unfortunately, potentially even with people who didn't experience severe symptoms when they had COVID.
 
You are right. Even the ones who got it but didn't experience severe symptoms. The long term could be interesting for them as well.
 
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