Prevalence of Long Covid Higher in Southern and Midwestern States, CDC Data Shows
Long Covid, a difficult-to-diagnose disease characterized by extreme fatigue, is more prevalent in the southern and Midwestern states of the United States, according to data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The data, based on self-reporting, reveals that in 2022, around 18 million Americans, or seven percent of the population, reported having experienced long Covid. The highest rates were observed in Republican-led West Virginia, where 10.6 percent of residents reported long Covid. On the other hand, the lowest rates were found in Washington, DC, with a range of 3.7 percent to 5.3 percent.
Regional analysis of the data shows that prevalence tends to be higher in the south and Midwest, while it is lower in New England and the Pacific Northwest. States such as Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, Maryland, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine had the second-lowest prevalence rates of residents reporting long Covid.
Long Covid is a condition that affects individuals who experience symptoms lasting three or more months after being infected with Covid-19. The symptoms associated with long Covid include extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, loss of smell, muscle aches, memory and concentration problems (referred to as “brain fog”), chest pain or tightness, difficulty sleeping, heart palpitations, dizziness, joint pain, depression and anxiety, tinnitus and earaches, gastrointestinal issues, high temperature, cough, headaches, sore throat, changes in sense of smell or taste, and rashes.
The CDC analyzed data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, which includes information from over 400,000 American adults. Respondents were randomly sampled through phone calls. The report did not provide an explanation for the regional disparities in long Covid prevalence; however, states with higher prevalence rates also tended to have more Covid cases per 100,000 residents throughout the pandemic. These states also had lower vaccination rates and higher rates of obesity and other chronic health conditions.
It is worth noting that surveys have consistently shown that people in Republican-led states were more skeptical about the threat of Covid and felt that it was overblown. For example, in Montana, only 12 percent of residents have received an updated Covid booster, and the state has a high case rate of 36,400 per 100,000 residents. In comparison, Washington, DC, has a higher vaccination rate of 32 percent and a lower case rate of 23,730.
Diagnosing long Covid is challenging as its symptoms resemble those of other health conditions, and most diagnostic tests appear normal. Many patients are often dismissed by doctors who believe their symptoms are psychological or related to another condition. However, a study published in September 2023 found distinct biological differences in blood tests of individuals reporting long Covid compared to those who do not have the condition. This suggests that blood tests could be useful in identifying possible treatments for long Covid symptoms.
The CDC report emphasizes the importance of addressing the data gap in understanding the prevalence of long Covid. It suggests that ongoing assessment of state-level prevalence data could guide policy, planning, and programming to meet the increased healthcare needs of individuals experiencing long Covid. Furthermore, state-level estimates could help identify geographic disparities in long Covid across the United States and guide interventions to promote health equity.
In conclusion, the CDC data highlights regional disparities in the prevalence of long Covid in the United States. The southern and Midwestern states have higher rates of long Covid compared to New England and the Pacific Northwest. Factors such as vaccination rates, Covid cases per capita, and chronic health conditions may contribute to these disparities. The challenges in diagnosing long Covid underscore the need for further research and the development of effective treatments. Understanding the prevalence of long Covid at the state level can inform policies and interventions to support individuals living with this debilitating condition.
