The U.S. Civilian Noninstitutionalized Household Survey used a nationally representative sample of approximately 17,000 adults aged 18 and older. Of these, 8,275 adults reported having had COVID-19, and approximately 1,200 reported having long-term symptoms of COVID.
The MEPS survey also asked participants about their history of Covid-19 vaccination and boosters. Only 6% of vaccinated and vaccinated respondents reported symptoms of long Covid, compared with 8% of those who were unvaccinated. The results suggest that “boosters may improve protection against long Covid, perhaps because boosters reduce the risk of severe Covid-19,” the researchers wrote.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), long COVID is defined as an illness with symptoms lasting three months or more after an initial COVID-19 infection. Long COVID occurs more frequently in people with severe COVID-19, the CDC says.
The study also found significant differences in reported long Covid symptoms between men and women, with women more likely to report symptoms in every age group – 9% of women versus 5% of men. Respondents with underlying health conditions such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis and asthma were also more likely to report having long Covid, as were white and Hispanic respondents to the survey.
Long COVID can include a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, brain fog, post-exertional malaise, cough, fever, and difficulty breathing. The CDC also notes that there is no lab test that can definitively diagnose whether symptoms are caused by long COVID.
This article is part of the Post’s “Big Number” series, which takes a brief look at the statistical side of health issues. Additional information and relevant research is available via hyperlinks.
News Source : www.washingtonpost.com
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