A new study using data from the 2023 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) reveals that a significant proportion of US adults with long COVID experience daily limitations due to their symptoms. The research found that approximately 1 in 5 people (19.8%) who are currently experiencing long COVID report significant activity limitation, affecting their daily activities.
Geographical differences were also noted, with some areas having significantly higher prevalence rates of long COVID and associated activity limitations. Idaho, Puerto Rico, and West Virginia had the highest rates, with over 8% of participants reporting long COVID.
These estimates can inform jurisdiction-specific policies and programming to support adults with long COVID-associated limitations, who may require additional healthcare resources and workplace accommodations for recovery.
In comparison to last year’s research index, this study includes more data points and expands on the understanding of long COVID. The new findings suggest that 39% of participants had possible long COVID, a category added for future studies.
The prevalence of long COVID varies widely, with previous studies reporting different rates depending on whether measuring current cases or lifetime prevalence. This new research aims to provide a clearer picture of the condition and its impact on US adults.
Source: https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/study-6-us-adults-have-long-covid-and-many-have-reduced-quality-life