Insights on Long COVID, the Economic Impact to Households, and how Reinfections are Increasing Risks.
Reviewing the U.S. Census Bureau, Household Pulse Survey
Here we look at some more insights from the ongoing U.S. Census Bureau survey. They have been collecting data on a range of ways in which people’s lives have been impacted by the pandemic. The Household Pulse Survey shows that over the different weeks of the survey, sorting the states by the lowest percentage to the highest percentage of people reporting Long COVID symptoms, we find that the states that had mitigation protections in place within schools for the longest have the lowest percentages of people reporting Long COVID symptoms lasting more than 3 months. The lowest percentages between 17.6% and 21.5% aren’t that low and those numbers have been increasing steadily as time goes on. Every reinfection is increasing the risk of having multi-organ damage and/or persistent infections.
The states with the highest percentages of people reporting Long COVID, shown below, had the mitigation protections removed the fastest and offered the least protections for children in schools. This should be a clear warning to everyone that the longer we allow unmitigated transmission to occur, the more likely people will experience symptoms lasting longer than 3 months. The percentages between 44.2% and 54.6% are shocking and out of control. These states have done the least to protect their children and thus the entire population suffers more frequently from COVID reinfections.
The latest survey period in the United States, spanning from March 29th to April 10th, 2023, has revealed a staggering increase in the number of individuals reporting Long COVID symptoms persisting for three months or longer. The data paints a concerning picture: approximately 38,390,183 adults in the United States are currently grappling with Long COVID symptoms that extend beyond the three-month mark.
To put this into perspective, this accounts for around 15% of the adult population aged 18 and above, which is estimated to be approximately 254,966,752 individuals. The prevalence of Long COVID is alarming, and what's more disheartening is that these numbers are expected to continue rising. Lives are being devastated by the lingering effects of COVID-19, leaving a profound burden on individuals and society as a whole.
Below, looking at just the period from March 29 - April 10, 2023, we can see that the states with the least mitigation protections in schools for the longest period of time, have the highest percentages of people reporting Long COVID symptoms. Every where is really high and getting worse. Reinfections of COVID, increase the risk.
Difficulty Paying for Usual Household Expenses
Percentage of adults in households where it has been somewhat or very difficult to pay for usual household expenses in the last 7 days
The last update was from July 27 - August 8, 2022. It isn’t surprising that many of the states with the least mitigation protections not only have the highest percentages of Long COVID, but also are the states with households having difficulty paying for usual household expenses.
COVID is causing long term symptoms and that impacts peoples ability to work, to care for their children and it hurts the entire economy.
Household use of Telehealth
Another interesting observation is that the states with the highest percentages of people taking advantage of telehealth, also happen to have lower rates of Long COVID and inversely, the states with the lowest use of telehealth have some of the higher amounts of Long COVID. The latest update on this was from July 27 - August 8, 2022. Hopefully they have some newer updates coming but this shows how effective telehealth was at preventing transmission of COVID at doctors offices. The recent changes forcing more people to lose telehealth options will increase transmission, and the chances of ending up with long term persistent symptoms. Every way that we can reduce transmission, the better off everyone will be. Take advantage of telehealth options. We need to push our elected leaders to expand this important tool, not take away this option like they are currently doing.
The latest variants are the most immune evasive and suppressive to date. That means the risk of persistent infections and Long COVID symptoms will increase. This is a crisis that demands collective action and change. Long COVID is not an isolated struggle; it reverberates through every corner of society. The impact is felt in families, workplaces, healthcare systems, and beyond. It is a preventable catastrophe that requires a united effort from all of us to alter its course.
We must recognize the urgency and gravity of the situation. By coming together, implementing preventive measures, supporting affected individuals, and advocating for comprehensive solutions, we can work towards alleviating the suffering caused by Long COVID. It is through our collective determination and solidarity that we can reshape the trajectory of this ongoing crisis and pave the way for a healthier, more resilient future.
This is predictable. This is preventable. We must work Together Against COVID Transmission.
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