The Lingering Effects of COVID Vary Among U.S. States
Introduction
The effects of COVID-19 continue to impact individuals across different states in varying degrees. According to the latest report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some states are experiencing a higher prevalence of long COVID than others.
Long COVID Prevalence in West Virginia
The highest prevalence of long COVID was found in West Virginia, where 10.6% of survey respondents reported experiencing long-term effects of the virus in 2022. This indicates a significant impact on the state’s population.
Long COVID Cases in Other States
Other states with a high prevalence of long COVID cases include:
- Alabama
- Montana
- North Dakota
- Oklahoma
- Wyoming
- Tennessee
- Mississippi
- Iowa
- South Dakota
- Utah
These states reported long COVID cases exceeding 8%.
Factors Contributing to Long COVID
Various factors influence the prevalence of long COVID. Obesity and vaccine uptake play significant roles, as obesity increases the risk of severe COVID and receiving multiple vaccine shots has been shown to decrease the risk of long COVID. West Virginia, with the highest obesity rate in the country, also has the highest rate of long COVID.
Data and Limitations
The data for this report was collected from U.S. adults who participated in the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey. The study aimed to gather information on long COVID to support policy and programming for adults experiencing its effects. However, the survey had limitations such as not capturing treatment and detailed information on COVID-19 illness duration and severity.
Understanding Long COVID
Long COVID refers to the condition where COVID-19 symptoms persist for an extended period, usually three months or longer. Common symptoms include fatigue, respiratory issues, and neurological symptoms like “brain fog.”
