What You Need To Know About Long COVID

Long COVID (also known as Post COVID) refers collectively to the constellation of long-term symptoms that some people experience after they have had COVID-19.  While most people who develop COVID-19 fully recover, some people develop a variety of mid- and long-term effects. People may also experience psychological effects as part of post COVID-19 condition.

Long COVID conditions can include a wide range of ongoing health problems that can last weeks, months, or even years. Conditions are found more often in people who had severe COVID-19 illness, but can be experienced by anyone who has been infected with the virus. People who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 and become infected may also be at higher risk of developing Long COVID conditions.

General symptoms of Long COVID can include (but are not limited to):

• Tiredness or fatigue

• Fever

• Difficulty breathing

• Cough

• Heart palpitations

• Headache

• Depression or anxiety

• And other COVID-19 related symptoms.

Researchers are working to understand which people or groups of people are more likely to experience Long COVID conditions, and why. The best way to protect yourself from Long COVID is by staying up to date with the most recent COVID-19 vaccinations. People experiencing Long COVID conditions should speak with their PCP about seeking treatment.

According to a recent CDC study, nearly 1 in 5 Americans (19%) who have had COVID-19 still have Long COVID.

New data states:

• Women are more likely than men to currently have long COVID (9.4% vs. 5.5%).

• Nearly 9% of Hispanic adults currently have long COVID, higher than non-Hispanic White (7.5%) and Black (6.8%) adults.

• Bisexual adults and transgender adults (7.5%) were more likely to have current long COVID symptoms than adults of other sexual orientations and gender identities.

• The states with the highest percentage of adults who currently have long COVID symptoms were Kentucky (12.7%), Alabama (12.1%), and Tennessee and South Dakota (11.6%)

As of August 22nd, Vermont has the lowest amount of Long COVID cases in the country. 

Recent studies state:

• Roughly 15.8% of the population had/have Long COVID (40,874).

• Chittenden County accounts for almost 27% of all Long COVID cases in the state (11,072).

If you are a VT resident and require treatment for Long COVID, call (802) 847-5039 to be connected to a primary care provider in your area. 

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