Different parts of the United States are experiencing varying levels of long-term effects from COVID-19, according to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
West Virginia stands out with the highest prevalence of long COVID cases, with 10.6% of respondents reporting lingering symptoms in 2022. Alabama and Montana are close behind, with 9.8% of participants reporting similar issues.
Other states, including North Dakota, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Tennessee, Mississippi, Iowa, South Dakota, and Utah, also have high rates of long COVID cases, exceeding 8%.
Overall, 6.9% of adults in the U.S. have reported experiencing long COVID, with the most affected regions being the South, West, and Midwest. Conversely, New England and the Pacific regions have reported the lowest rates.
Dr. Marc Siegel, a clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center, highlights the need for further research into how long COVID is reported and defined by individuals, especially considering variations across regions. He notes that vaccine uptake and underlying health conditions, such as obesity, play a significant role in the risk of experiencing long COVID.
The data for the report was collected through phone interviews with adults aged 18 and above as part of the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). However, the study had limitations, including the lack of information on treatment during acute COVID infection and the duration and severity of symptoms.
Long COVID refers to persistent symptoms lasting for three months or more, including fatigue, respiratory issues, and neurological symptoms like “brain fog.”
While the definition of long COVID remains unclear, common symptoms include persistent fatigue, cognitive difficulties, and respiratory problems. The report aims to inform policy and support individuals experiencing long-term effects of the virus.
