The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) released the results of a groundbreaking survey on long COVID in the state, marking the first official data on this condition. More than 40% of surveyed Minnesotans experienced lingering symptoms for at least three months after COVID-19, with estimates suggesting approximately 365,000 Minnesotans may have had long COVID.
The survey found that the most common symptoms were tiredness, fatigue, shortness of breath, brain fog, and coughing, often accompanied by difficulties in daily activities. However, only 9% of participants were diagnosed with long COVID, highlighting challenges for healthcare providers to identify and manage the condition.
MDH Long COVID Program Manager Kate Murray emphasized that while long COVID is officially diagnosable, it can be underreported due to stigma or fear of disability benefits. This lack of diagnosis underscores the need for clearer guidelines and better support systems for affected individuals seeking accommodations at work or disability benefits.
Murray also pointed out that the survey introduces some bias, as those experiencing post-COVID conditions were more likely to participate. Without a simple test yet in place, it remains unclear how widespread long COVID truly is, but the data provides a crucial starting point for changing healthcare approaches.
Source: https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/mdh-releases-results-of-first-of-its-kind-survey-on-long-covid-experience-in-minnesota