New Findings Suggest 14% of Americans had Long COVID by End of 2022

A recent investigation conducted by researchers from University College London and Dartmouth College has discovered that approximately 14% of Americans had long COVID by the conclusion of 2022. This study, based on survey data obtained from the US Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey, involved a massive sample size of 461,550 respondents.

The research sheds light on the alarming consequences of long COVID, with participants who experienced prolonged symptoms reporting higher levels of anxiety, persistent low mood, and difficulties with memory. Furthermore, the study revealed that 47% of survey respondents had previously been infected with COVID-19. Among this specific group, 13.3% had endured severe symptoms.

Interestingly, the report highlighted significant differences in symptoms between those whose COVID resolved within 3 months and those who had long COVID. Only 7% of individuals whose COVID resolved quickly reported severe symptoms. In contrast, 24% of those who previously suffered from long COVID and 31% of those who were still experiencing long COVID reported severe symptoms.

Little is currently known about long COVID and its impact on health and wellbeing, but these findings add to the growing evidence of persistent and concerning symptoms. The study observed that women and individuals with lower education levels were more likely to report long COVID.

Furthermore, the data unveiled regional disparities in long COVID rates, with West Virginia having the highest rate at 18% and Hawaii having the lowest at 11%.

Recognizing the urgent need to address long COVID, researchers have recently agreed upon a “Core Outcome Measure Set” (COMS) to assess the severity and impact of the condition. This COMS consists of twelve core outcomes, including fatigue, pain, post-exertion symptoms, and mental health. By codifying symptoms and measuring their impact, the development of the COMS is considered a crucial step in advancing treatments for long COVID.

The study serves as a wake-up call for medical professionals and policymakers, highlighting the significance of long COVID and the pressing need to provide support and solutions for those living with this debilitating condition. As the world continues to grapple with the long-term effects of COVID-19, this research offers valuable insights into the prevalence and consequences of long COVID in the United States.