In a latest examine revealed within the CDC journal MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, researchers investigated the prevalence of lengthy coronavirus illness 2019 (lengthy COVID) amongst adults throughout the US of America (USA). They discovered that the prevalence of lengthy COVID diversified among the many states and territories, starting from 1.9% within the Virgin Islands to 10.6% in West Virginia.
Notes from the Subject: Lengthy COVID Prevalence Amongst Adults — United States, 2022. Picture Credit score: Donkeyworx / Shutterstock
Background
Lengthy COVID or post-COVID refers to numerous well being points that persist after acute COVID-19, together with neurological and respiratory signs, in addition to fatigue. About 6.9% of adults within the USA reportedly suffered from lengthy COVID in 2022. Nonetheless, the present lack of knowledge from states and territories hinders focused public well being responses. The Affiliation of State and Territorial Well being Officers and Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists have additionally highlighted this hole. The Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC) within the USA carried out a nationwide examine to estimate the prevalence of lengthy COVID amongst adults to deal with this want.
Concerning the examine
The CDC utilized knowledge from the 2022 Behavioral Threat Issue Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey of non-institutionalized adults within the USA aged 18 years and older. This cross-sectional, population-based survey employed random digit dialing of telephones (mobile and landline) for sampling and gathering data on age, intercourse, COVID-19 historical past, and lengthy COVID signs lasting not less than three months. Prevalence estimates, standardized to the 2020 USA Census Bureau inhabitants, have been calculated for all adults throughout states and territories. Weights particular to gender have been utilized to people aged 18–44 years, 45–64 years, and ≥65 years. Evaluation was carried out utilizing a Statistical Evaluation System (SAS)-callable SUDAAN (quick for Survey Knowledge Evaluation) whereas contemplating the complicated survey design.
Outcomes and dialogue
The nationwide prevalence of lengthy COVID amongst non-institutionalized adults within the USA was discovered to be 6.4%, with estimates starting from 1.9% within the Virgin Islands to 10.6% in West Virginia. Seven states surpassed a prevalence of 8.8%. Variations have been noticed throughout areas, with decrease prevalence within the Pacific and New England and better prevalence within the South, West, and Midwest. Limitations of the examine embrace the dearth of knowledge on remedy throughout acute COVID sickness, time since sickness, symptom length or severity, and vaccination standing in some jurisdictions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the current examine fills a vital hole by offering insights into the prevalence of lengthy COVID, highlighting the necessity for continued monitoring of state- and territory-level knowledge to tell healthcare planning and coverage selections. The findings spotlight the significance of addressing the healthcare wants of people with lengthy COVID and figuring out geographic disparities to advertise well being fairness via focused interventions.
