NEW data from the 2023 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) reveal that 8.4% of adults in the U.S. have experienced post-COVID-19 condition (PCC), also known as long COVID. PCC is defined by symptoms that persist for 3 months or longer and are new or different from those experienced before contracting COVID-19.
The 2023 survey, based on responses from 29,522 adults, introduced a new question to better understand the impact of PCC on daily life. Among these adults, 3.6% reported currently experiencing PCC, and 2.3% indicated that the condition limits their ability to perform daily activities.
Of the adults who reported current PCC, 64.5% experienced symptoms that significantly interfered with their ability to function in routine tasks. Notably, the survey also found that the prevalence of PCC and activity-limiting symptoms varies across different demographics. The condition was more common among people with lower family income and those living in rural areas. Specifically, the likelihood of having PCC decreased as family income increased, while it increased with greater rurality of the respondent’s residence.
Differences were also seen across sex, sexual orientation, age, and race/ethnicity, with significant variations in how individuals from different groups reported their symptoms and activity limitations. For example, the percentage of adults experiencing activity-limiting PCC was higher in certain racial and ethnic groups.
This analysis highlights the ongoing burden of long COVID across the U.S. and its impact on day-to-day functioning. However, the study’s reliance on self-reported data means that the exact medical causes of PCC remain unverified.
Ada Enesco, EMJ
Reference
Vahratian A et al. Prevalence of post-COVID-19 condition and activity-limiting post-COVID-19 condition among adults. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(12):e2451151.
