According to a recent report in JAMA Data Brief, about 7 percent of U.S. adults — nearly 18 million people — had a prolonged bout of Covid early last year.
A household survey of the non-institutionalized population of US citizens using a nationally representative sample of approximately 17,000 adults aged 18 years and older. Of those, 8,275 adults have been diagnosed with Covid-19 and around 1,200 are suffering from long-term Covid symptoms.
The MEPS survey also asked participants about their Covid-19 vaccination and booster shot history. 6 percent of vaccinated and boosted respondents reported prolonged Covid symptoms and 8 percent of non-vaccinated ones. The findings suggest that « booster shots may improve protection against prolonged Covid-19 because booster shots may reduce the risk of severe Covid-19, » the researchers wrote.
Long covid Defined as a symptomatic condition According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it can last three months or more after the initial Covid-19 infection. Prolonged covid is more common in people with severe covid-19, the CDC says.
The study found significant differences in chronic Covid symptoms between men and women, with women in each age group more likely to report symptoms – 9 percent of women and 5 percent of men. Respondents with underlying health conditions, such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and asthma, were more likely to report having prolonged Covid, as were white and Hispanic survey respondents.
Prolonged Covid includes a wide range of symptoms – including fatigue, brain fog, post-exercise malaise, cough, fever and difficulty breathing. The CDC also notes that there is no laboratory test that can definitively diagnose symptoms caused by prolonged Covid-19.
This article is part of The Post's “Big Number” series, which takes a brief look at the statistical side of health problems. Additional information and related research are available through hyperlinks.
