Prevalence
Long COVID affects approximately 1 in 5 people that get COVID. Read this CDC press release with these numbers.
TIME: https://time.com/6190112/long-covid-prevalence-us/
In Massachusetts:
- 24% of adults in Massachusetts who have ever had COVID have experienced Long COVID. These adults had COVID and had some symptoms that lasted three months or longer.
- Nearly 1 in 4 of adults in Massachusetts who have ever had COVID have experienced Long COVID.
- 12.6% of adults in Massachusetts who have ever had COVID are currently experiencing Long COVID. These adults had COVID, had long-term symptoms, and are still experiencing symptoms.
- About 1 in 8 of adults in Massachusetts who have ever had COVID are currently experiencing Long COVID.
For some, Long COVID is disabling. Since July 2021, Long COVID has been included as a disability by the US government: https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-providers/civil-rights-covid19/guidance-long-covid-disability/index.html
Prevention
The best way to prevent Long COVID is to protect yourself and others from becoming infected. Staying up-to-date on COVID vaccines and boosters, wearing a mask, staying away from others and testing when sick. Learn more about how to assess COVID risk on the CDC website.
Treatment
Although many treatments are currently being developed, there are a number of places that have Long COVID clinics. A list of Massachusetts Long COVID clinics can be found on the Northampton Health Department website.
Support Groups
Living with Long COVID can be hard and many have found support groups as great places to share information and experiences. A comprehensive list of Long COVID support groups can be found on the Northampton Health Department website.