1 in 14 U.S. adults have long COVID.

1 in 14 U.S. adults have long COVID.

Exploring Long COVID: The Lingering Symptoms and their Impact

Introduction

Long COVID, a term used to describe the lingering effects of the COVID-19 infection, affects a significant portion of the population. According to the 2022 National Health Interview Survey, approximately 7% of American adults have experienced long COVID at some point, with more than 3% still experiencing its symptoms¹. This survey sheds light on the groups that are more susceptible to long COVID, including women, young adults, individuals with lower income, and those residing in rural areas or small towns².

Unmasking Long COVID

Long COVID presents itself as a cluster of symptoms that can affect various parts of the body³. These symptoms are diverse and can range from “brain fog,” chronic fatigue, and lingering cough to heart palpitations, headaches, difficulty sleeping, and mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression⁴. Researchers are still unraveling the mysteries of long COVID, and its persistent symptoms remain a puzzle to be solved⁵.

Dr. Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar with the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, explains that while there are general ideas about the risk factors associated with long COVID, many aspects are still unknown, making diagnosis and understanding of the condition a complex task⁶. It is hypothesized that long COVID may encompass several different conditions due to the virus affecting different organ systems, such as the brain, heart, or lungs⁷. This complexity adds to the challenge of comprehensively studying long COVID and finding effective treatments.

Insights from the Survey

The National Center for Health Statistics conducted a survey involving over 27,600 adults and 7,400 children across the United States⁸. The survey results shed light on significant findings regarding the prevalence of long COVID within different demographic groups.

Adult Long COVID

The survey revealed that women are more likely to experience long COVID than men, with 9% of women having experienced it at any point and 4% still experiencing lingering symptoms, compared to 5% and 2% among men, respectively⁹. Additionally, adults between the ages of 35 and 49 were found to be most affected by long COVID, followed by those in the age groups of 18-34, 50-64, and 65 and older¹⁰. Moreover, long COVID was reported to be more prevalent among Hispanic and white Americans, while Asian and Black Americans showed a lower incidence¹¹. Interestingly, wealthier families were less likely than middle-class and poor families to have a member experiencing long COVID¹². Lastly, adults living in large cities were less likely to report long COVID compared to those residing in rural areas or small towns¹³.

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Long COVID in Children

The survey results highlighted that children were less affected by long COVID. Only slightly over 1% of all U.S. children have ever experienced long COVID, and around half a percent continue to experience symptoms¹⁴. Among children, teenagers aged 12-17 were more likely to report long COVID compared to younger children, and girls were more susceptible than boys¹⁵. These findings indicate a lower risk for children overall; however, it is essential to address the potential impact on this vulnerable group and monitor their long-term health.

Long COVID and Vaccination

Research has demonstrated that vaccination plays a crucial role in protecting against long COVID¹⁶. Dr. Adalja highlights that individuals who were not vaccinated and contracted COVID-19 had a higher incidence of long COVID¹⁷. This emphasizes the importance of vaccination for all individuals, even those who may not be considered at high risk for severe COVID-19.

Conclusion

Long COVID remains a complex and evolving aspect of the pandemic. As research continues, scientists are slowly unraveling the mysteries and understanding the diverse nature of its symptoms and risk factors. The 2022 National Health Interview Survey provides valuable insights into the prevalence of long COVID among different demographics, emphasizing the need for further exploration and support for those affected. Vaccination continues to be crucial for mitigating the risks associated with long COVID. With ongoing efforts, science and medicine will eventually gain a clearer understanding of this multifaceted condition.

SOURCES: Amesh Adalja, MD, senior scholar, Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, Baltimore; NCHS Data Brief, Sept. 26, 2023