Long COVID: Prevalence, Risks, and Impact on Adults and Children

Approximately 18 million US adults and 1 million children have experienced long COVID, according to two reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Long COVID refers to persistent symptoms lasting at least four weeks after clearing the infection, with some individuals experiencing symptoms for months or even years. Symptoms can vary and include fatigue, difficulty breathing, headaches, brain fog, joint and muscle pain, and loss of taste and smell. Women were more likely than men to have or currently have long COVID, and Hispanic adults had the highest percentage of reported cases. The Biden administration has established an Office of Long COVID Research and Practice to study the condition and provide support to those affected.