Title: New Study Finds 14% of Americans Experienced Long COVID by the End of 2022
In a groundbreaking investigation conducted by researchers from University College London and Dartmouth College, it has been revealed that a staggering 14% of Americans battled with long COVID by the close of 2022. The study, which utilized data from 461,550 respondents to the US Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey over the span of June to December 2022, shed light on the impact and prevalence of this under-recognized phenomenon.
Long COVID, a condition in which individuals experience persisting symptoms after recovering from COVID-19, has plagued many survivors, often causing anxiety, low mood, and memory issues. Astonishingly, nearly half (47%) of the surveyed respondents had previously been infected with COVID-19, and around 13.3% of them reported severe symptoms during their illness.
The study yielded crucial findings regarding the severity of symptoms among those who experienced long COVID. Out of individuals whose COVID-19 symptoms resolved within three months, a mere 7% reported severe symptoms. In contrast, a staggering 24% of those who had previously suffered from long COVID reported severe symptoms, and a even larger 31% of individuals currently dealing with long COVID reported severe symptoms.
Additionally, the study revealed that women and individuals with lower education levels were more likely to report long COVID. Geographically, West Virginia was identified as having the highest rate of long COVID, affecting approximately 18% of the population, while Hawaii had the lowest rate at just 11%.
Despite the lack of understanding surrounding long COVID and its effect on health and wellbeing, evidence suggests that it poses ongoing challenges for many survivors. Recognizing the urgent need to accurately assess symptoms, researchers from 58 countries recently met online and identified a “Core Outcome Measure Set” (COMS) consisting of twelve core outcomes for long COVID patients. These include fatigue, pain, post-exertion symptoms, work or study changes, and various physical and mental health outcomes, allowing clinicians to develop effective measurement tools for assessing symptoms.
The development of this COMS marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of effective treatments for long COVID. With a better understanding of its severity and impact, researchers and healthcare professionals can now take targeted measures to alleviate the suffering of those affected by this persistent condition.
As the world grapples with the long-lasting implications of COVID-19, this study serves as a wake-up call to prioritize the health and well-being of long COVID sufferers. By acknowledging and addressing their challenges, we take a step forward in providing much-needed relief for millions of individuals still battling the aftermath of the pandemic.
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