Long COVID Common, Poses Significant Threats to Health

Originally published by our sister publication Infectious Disease Special Edition

By Ethan Covey

During 2023, 6.4% of U.S. adults were experiencing long COVID when they responded to a CDC survey, highlighting the large effect of the condition among Americans.

In addition, they said long COVID often had a serious negative effect on their lives, with 1 in 5 of the surveyed adults reporting that their symptoms significantly affected daily activities (MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2024;73[50]:1142-1143).

“This report demonstrates that long COVID is a public health problem,” said Nicole D. Ford, PhD, a senior epidemiologist in the CDC’s Coronavirus and Other Respiratory Viruses Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. Dr. Ford spoke to Infectious Disease Special Edition before the president paused communication from federal offices.

Data used in the study came from the 2023 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, which samples adults at least 18 years of age through random-digit dialing of mobile and landline telephones. Current long COVID was defined as self-report of any symptoms lasting at least three months at the time of the interview that were not present before having COVID-19. Significant limitation of activity during long COVID was defined as the existence of symptoms reducing the ability to carry out daily activities “a lot” compared with such ability during the time before the individuals had COVID-19.

Overall, the prevalence of long COVID ranged from a low of 2.9% in the U.S. Virgin Islands, to a high of 9.7% in West Virginia. Among those currently experiencing long COVID, 19.8% reported significant activity limitations. This activity limitation ranged from 12.8% of those with long COVID in the District of Columbia, to 29.4% in Puerto Rico.

Idaho, Puerto Rico and West Virginia were among the jurisdictions with the highest prevalence of both adults experiencing long COVID (8%-10%) and significant activity limitation (25%-30% of adults with long COVID).

Dr. Ford said prevention is key to decreasing long COVID and its impact on activity.

“Tools to reduce risk for long COVID, such as vaccination, remain important,” she said. “Everyone ages 6 months and older should get a 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine. Alongside vaccination, practicing core prevention strategies, like good hygiene, cleaner air measures—such as opening windows, updating HVAC systems—and staying home when sick, are vital in preventing the spread of COVID-19.”

While the CDC will continue to collaborate with clinicians, public health partners and other federal agencies to better understand and address the effects of long COVID, understanding the type and severity of functional limitations people with long COVID are experiencing, such as problems with memory, or difficulty with mobility, may help inform interventions or policies to mitigate negative effects, she said.

The sources reported no relevant financial disclosures.