High Prevalence of Long COVID Among Young, Healthy Adults
A study published Thursday suggests that the prevalence of long COVID was 36% among George Washington University students, faculty, staff and other members of the campus community who had tested positive for COVID-19 between July 2021 and March 2022. The study helps shed light and supports other research on this poorly understood condition, in which even young, healthy adults can develop prolonged symptoms after infections with COVID-19.
According to the CDC, those who experienced severe COVID-19 illness are more likely to suffer from Long COVID. Anyone who has had the virus responsible for COVID-19 can suffer from post-COVID conditions. A population-based survey has revealed that approximately 19 million American adults may be suffering from long COVID, with some people experiencing symptoms that last for over a year after their initial infection. Of the 1,338 cases, 36% of people reported experiencing symptoms consistent with long COVID.[0] Of the respondents, approximately three-quarters were students, while the remaining were faculty or staff members.[0] The median age of respondents was 23 years old, and 63.4% of respondents were women.[0]
Long COVID is defined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as signs, symptoms, and conditions that continue or develop four weeks or more after someone has been infected with COVID for the first time. U.S. Census Bureau data show that nearly one-in-five American adults who have contracted the virus still experience symptoms consistent with long COVID.
Analysis of seemingly recovered COVID-19 patients indicates that SARS-CoV-2 infection can persist significantly longer than suggested by PCR-negative tests.[1] According to two recent studies, Covid may cause an elevated risk of high cholesterol for as long as one year after infection, prompting medical professionals to pay closer attention to this potential trend.[2] One study, published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology earlier this month, found that people with a prior COVID infection had a 24% increased risk for high cholesterol levels. In addition, those infected with COVID-19 had an increased likelihood of cardiovascular illness for up to 18 months post-infection. It has been reported by researchers that long COVID can lead to adverse effects.
We are experiencing a period of massive disability.[3] It is estimated by Statistics Canada that approximately 1.4 million individuals in Canada are classified as COVID-19 longhaulers.[3]
0. “‘I Don’t Think Covid Is Done With Us’: A New Study Says Long Covid Lingers on College Campuses” The Chronicle of Higher Education, 26 Jan. 2023, https://www.chronicle.com/article/i-dont-think-covid-is-done-with-us-a-new-study-says-long-covid-lingers-on-college-campuses
1. “What is the association between COVID-19, cardiovascular disease, and mortality?” News-Medical.Net, 23 Jan. 2023, https://www.news-medical.net/news/20230123/What-is-the-association-between-COVID-19-cardiovascular-disease-and-mortality.aspx
2. “Could getting Covid raise cholesterol?” NBC News, 25 Jan. 2023, https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/getting-covid-raise-cholesterol-rcna67001
3. “Long COVID Has Never Been Taken Seriously. Here’s Where It Left Us” TheTyee.ca, 26 Jan. 2023, https://thetyee.ca/Analysis/2023/01/26/Long-COVID-Never-Been-Taken-Seriously/