Title: New Survey Reveals Widespread Impact of Long Covid on Children and Adults in the US
In a recent study conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics, it was found that long Covid has affected a staggering number of children and adults in the United States. According to the survey, approximately 962,000 children and 17.9 million adults in the US have experienced the long-term effects of the virus.
The study, which focused on data from 2022, discovered that 1.3% of children and 6.9% of adults had experienced long Covid at some point, with 0.5% of children and 3.4% of adults currently reporting symptoms. While these figures align with certain surveys conducted by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, they are somewhat lower than previous studies.
The variations in data can be attributed to differences in survey methods, questionnaires, and definitions of long Covid. The data for this study was gleaned from the National Health Interview Survey, a nationally representative household survey.
Interestingly, the majority of people in the US had already contracted Covid-19 by the time of the survey, as indicated by another study. These findings emphasize the need for a better understanding and treatment of long Covid.
The study also shed light on certain demographic groups that are more susceptible to long Covid. The research revealed that women, Hispanic individuals, adults living in rural areas, and adults aged 35-49 were more likely to experience long Covid symptoms. In children, girls, children aged 12-17, and Hispanic children appeared to be at a higher risk, while Asian children seemed to be less likely to have long Covid symptoms.
Long Covid is known to have a significant impact on disability and can be debilitating. Recognizing the urgency of addressing this issue, the US Health and Human Services Department has awarded $45 million in grants to expand access to care for long Covid and promote best practices. The Biden administration has also taken steps to prioritize the issue by establishing the Office of Long Covid Research and Practice and launching clinical trials.
Surveys like this one play a crucial role in helping doctors identify and monitor cases of long Covid. However, diagnosing the exact number of cases can be challenging without a biomarker test. Moreover, some patients may not even be aware that they have long Covid, since the symptoms can be vague and occasionally mistaken for other illnesses.
While the proportion of the population with long Covid may be relatively small, it is vital not to downplay its impact, particularly on young patients who may experience severe fatigue and a significant decrease in energy levels. By understanding the far-reaching consequences of long Covid, we can take significant strides in improving care and support for those affected.
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