High Prevalence of Long COVID Found in Certain U.S. States, CDC Report Shows
The effects of COVID-19 are lingering longer among the residents of certain states in the United States, according to a recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The report, known as the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), tracks reported cases of long COVID throughout the country. It reveals that some states have a higher prevalence of long COVID than others.
The state with the highest prevalence of long COVID is West Virginia, where 10.6% of survey respondents reported experiencing long-term effects of the virus in 2022. Alabama and Montana followed closely behind, with 9.8% of respondents reporting long COVID cases. Other states with long COVID cases exceeding 8% included North Dakota, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Tennessee, Mississippi, Iowa, South Dakota, and Utah.
Long COVID is a condition in which symptoms of the virus persist for an extended period of time, generally three months or more. The report stated that overall, 6.9% of U.S. adults reported ever experiencing long COVID.
The highest prevalence of long COVID was found in the South, West, and Midwest regions of the country, while the lowest reported cases were in New England and the Pacific. This geographical disparity raises questions about the factors contributing to the higher prevalence of long COVID in certain states.
Dr. Marc Siegel, a clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical contributor, emphasized the role of obesity and vaccines in the prevalence of long COVID. He stated that studies have shown that receiving at least three vaccine shots significantly decreases the risk of long COVID. Underlying diseases, such as obesity, also increase the risk of severe COVID and correlate with persistent symptoms and long COVID.
Obesity rates are highest in the South and Midwest regions, with West Virginia having the highest obesity rate in the country at 41%. It is no coincidence that West Virginia also has the highest rate of long COVID. These findings suggest a possible link between obesity, severe COVID, and the persistence of symptoms.
The data for this report was gathered through phone interviews with respondents who were at least 18 years old as part of the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). The CDC aims to use this state-specific data to inform policies and programs that support U.S. adults experiencing long COVID. However, the study has some limitations, as it did not capture information about treatment during acute COVID infection, time since COVID-19 illness, or the duration and severity of symptoms.
Long COVID is still an ill-defined term, but according to Dr. Siegel, the most prominent features include persistent fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath, cough, and rapid heart rate or arrhythmias.
The high prevalence of long COVID in certain states highlights the need for further research and understanding of this condition. It also underscores the importance of vaccination and addressing underlying health conditions, such as obesity, to reduce the risk of severe COVID and long-term effects. As the fight against COVID-19 continues, it is crucial to prioritize the well-being of those experiencing long COVID and provide them with the necessary support and resources.
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Melissa Rudy is a health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to melissa.rudy@fox.com.