Title: Lingering Covid-19 Symptoms May Impact Millions of Americans, Research Shows
Subtitle: New survey reveals the prevalence of long Covid in the United States
Date: [Current Date]
By [Author Name]
As the Covid-19 pandemic continues, new research reveals the significant impact of lingering symptoms, also known as long Covid, on millions of Americans. A recent survey conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics highlights the potential magnitude of this condition in the United States.
According to the survey, estimates of the number of people in the US with long Covid symptoms vary, but the survey suggests that as many as 17.9 million adults and 962,000 children may have experienced the condition. While 6.9% of adults and 1.3% of children reported ever having long Covid in 2022, only 3.4% of adults and 0.5% of children reported currently experiencing the symptoms.
The findings of this survey align with some studies conducted by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, they also indicate lower prevalence rates compared to earlier research on long Covid. For instance, the US Census’ Household Pulse Survey conducted from June to December 2022 found that 31.1% of all Americans reported ever having long Covid.
The disparities in data regarding long Covid prevalence can be attributed to differences between surveys, including the populations surveyed, survey methodologies, and varying definitions of long Covid. This particular report defines long Covid as symptoms that persist for at least three months after a positive Covid-19 test or a doctor’s diagnosis.
The US Department of Health and Human Services estimates that up to 23 million people in the US have experienced long Covid. To address the need for better understanding and treatment, the department recently awarded $45 million in grants to expand access to care and promote best practices for long Covid management. The Biden administration has also established the Office of Long Covid Research and Practice and initiated clinical trials.
Notably, the survey reveals that long Covid is more likely to affect certain demographic groups. Women, Hispanic people, adults living in rural areas, and adults aged 35 to 49 are more prone to experiencing long Covid symptoms. Conversely, Asian adults and individuals with a family income 400% above the federal poverty level appear to be less affected.
In children, girls, those aged 12 to 17, and Hispanic kids are more likely to report long Covid symptoms, while Asian children seem to be the least affected.
Long Covid can have a higher burden of disability than heart disease or cancer, as demonstrated by previous studies. Although the percentage of adults reporting long Covid has been decreasing over time, persistent symptoms can still have a debilitating impact.
Dr. Amy Edwards, an infectious disease expert, stresses the importance of research in identifying and monitoring long Covid cases. However, she highlights the challenges in accurately determining the prevalence of the condition until there is a definitive biomarker test.
The survey’s findings serve as a reminder not to dismiss the significance of long Covid, even if the proportion of those affected may seem relatively small. For some individuals, the symptoms are severe enough to disrupt daily activities, such as attending school or participating in hobbies. The impact on the pediatric population is particularly concerning, with Dr. Edwards emphasizing that disabling even 1% of children is significant.
With ongoing research and initiatives dedicated to understanding and treating long Covid, it is hoped that healthcare professionals will be better equipped to address the needs of those experiencing these persistent symptoms.