A new study reveals that over 47 million people in the United States have experienced long Covid, a condition characterized by persistent symptoms following a Covid-19 infection. The findings shed light on the prevalence of long Covid and its impact on individuals’ health and wellbeing. Conducted by researchers at UCL and Dartmouth, the study analyzed responses from over 460,000 people, emphasizing the need for further research on the role of vaccinations and the mechanisms behind long Covid symptoms.
According to the study published in the journal PLOS ONE, individuals who have had long Covid reported symptoms such as anxiety, low mood, cognitive difficulties, and mobility challenges. Moreover, the research highlighted that those who received vaccinations appeared to have a lower risk of anxiety and low mood compared to unvaccinated individuals.
Professor Alex Bryson from UCL Social Research Institute explained that while there is still much to learn about long Covid, the evidence suggests that many people continue to experience persistent and concerning symptoms. The study revealed that individuals who have had long Covid are more likely to report challenges in daily tasks, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and understanding compared to those who have not experienced long Covid.
To gather data for their analysis, the researchers reviewed responses from 461,550 people participating in the US Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey conducted between June and December 2022. The participants were divided into three groups: those who had never had Covid-19, those who had Covid-19 without lingering symptoms, and those who had or currently have long Covid.
The study found that approximately 47% of the respondents had reported a previous Covid-19 infection, and of the total participants, 14% had experienced long Covid at some point. This means that around one in three individuals who contract Covid-19 may develop long Covid symptoms. The researchers cautioned that their study relies on self-reported symptoms, so it is possible that some individuals surveyed had Covid-19 without realizing it.
The researchers also identified demographic patterns related to long Covid prevalence. Women, white individuals, middle-aged people, and those with lower incomes or educational attainment were more likely to have had long Covid. Geographically, West Virginia had the highest prevalence of long Covid at 18% of the population, while Hawaii had the lowest at 11%.
Furthermore, the study highlighted a correlation between the severity of initial Covid-19 symptoms and the likelihood of developing long Covid. Of those currently experiencing long Covid symptoms, 31% reported having had severe Covid-19 symptoms initially, compared to only 7% of individuals who had Covid-19 without long Covid.
The researchers stress the need for additional research to better understand the mechanisms and potential symptoms of long Covid. Longitudinal data is essential to grasp the impact of vaccinations on long Covid risks fully.
The prevalence of long Covid among millions of individuals in the United States underscores the significance of further investigation into this condition. As researchers strive to unravel the mysteries surrounding long Covid, their efforts could potentially lead to improved treatments and support for those suffering from its long-term effects.
In conclusion, the study’s findings reveal that over 47 million people in the US have experienced long Covid, highlighting the need for increased research on its impact and the underlying mechanisms. The study provides valuable insights into the prevalence of long Covid symptoms, emphasizing the importance of understanding and addressing the health and wellbeing challenges faced by individuals with long Covid.
