According to a recent survey conducted by the CDC, it has been reported that 6.8% of American adults are currently suffering from long Covid symptoms. This represents an estimated 17.6 million Americans, marking a 1.5 percentage-point increase from October 2022. The surge in infections across the US has led to more cases of long Covid, with over three-quarters of those affected reporting limitations in their day-to-day activities.
The survey also revealed that 3.8 million Americans are experiencing debilitating illness due to long Covid. A study conducted in the UK found that thousands of people may not be able to work due to these symptoms, and Americans have been missing work at higher rates since the beginning of the pandemic. The highest rates of long Covid have been reported in states such as North Dakota, Kentucky, West Virginia, Alaska, and Maine, while Hawaii, Pennsylvania, and Wyoming have reported the lowest rates.
Children are also experiencing long Covid, with symptoms ranging from fatigue to serious respiratory and cardiovascular issues. Experts believe that the increase in long Covid cases may continue to rise over time, with significant implications for the health and wellbeing of Americans. Unfortunately, there is currently no known cure for long Covid, and research on treatments and medications has been slow to develop.
Criticism has also been directed towards the CDC’s updated isolation guidelines, with experts worrying that they may lead to more spread of the virus and in turn, more cases of long Covid. As the country continues to navigate the challenges presented by the pandemic, it is crucial that efforts are made to address the growing issue of long Covid and its impact on individuals and society as a whole.
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