A comprehensive new study has found that long COVID—characterized by lingering symptoms following a COVID-19 infection—continues to take a significant toll on the health and well-being of millions of Americans. The research, published in the journal PLoS One, analyzed data from more than 100,000 adults and revealed a clear connection between post-COVID conditions (PCCs) and poorer health-related quality of life (HRQL) across all U.S. states.
Although the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic has waned, many survivors face ongoing symptoms—such as fatigue, brain fog, dizziness, and pain—that disrupt everyday life. These PCCs affect nearly one in four individuals who recover from COVID-19, yet remain under-recognized in public health conversations, as attention shifts toward infection prevention and control.
Researchers warn that despite early insights into PCCs, the full scope of their effect on physical and mental health has not been fully quantified—until now.
Using 2022 data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)—a national health survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)—scientists focused on adults with confirmed cases of COVID-19. The analysis excluded participants with only at-home test results or incomplete survey responses.
Participants were grouped based on the presence or absence of PCCs, defined as symptoms lasting three months or longer after the initial infection. Researchers assessed four self-reported areas: general health, mental health, physical health, and ability to carry out daily activities.
The study used advanced statistical modeling to correct for missing data and potential biases. Results were weighted to reflect the broader U.S. population, although the authors acknowledged limitations, including reliance on self-reported data and the absence of information on factors like vaccination status and COVID-19 severity.
Among the 108,237 individuals included in the study—representing an estimated 70 million Americans—22.7% reported experiencing PCCs. These individuals were more likely to be female, middle-aged, obese, physically inactive, and living with lower income or poor sleep habits.
More than a quarter (25.7%) of those with PCCs rated their general health as “fair” or “poor,” compared to 15.5% of those without lingering symptoms. They also reported more days of poor mental and physical health and greater difficulty performing daily tasks.
After accounting for multiple factors, PCCs were independently associated with a 39% higher likelihood of reporting poor general health (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.39; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.28–1.52; p < 0.001).
Certain symptoms had a stronger association with poor health outcomes. Dizziness upon standing (38%), mood disorders (36.3%), and musculoskeletal pain (34.1%) were particularly linked to lower quality of life. In contrast, symptoms such as loss of taste or smell had less impact.
Notably, the negative effect of PCCs on health remained consistent across all age groups and U.S. states, highlighting the condition’s pervasive and systemic nature.
Further analysis identified specific groups at heightened risk of poor health outcomes due to PCCs. These included individuals aged 45–64 (aOR 1.47), those with obesity (aOR 1.27), people with inadequate physical activity (aOR 1.94), and those with unhealthy sleep durations—either too little (aOR 1.55) or too much (aOR 2.15).
Chronic illnesses like diabetes (aOR 2.29), heart disease (aOR 2.01), and lung conditions (aOR 1.98) also increased vulnerability. Socioeconomic factors—including lower education, lower income, being unmarried, and Hispanic ethnicity—were independently linked with worse outcomes.
While women were more likely to report PCCs, gender was not a significant factor in poor health outcomes once adjustments were made. Geographically, states such as West Virginia, Kentucky, and Oregon had the highest rates of self-reported poor health among those with PCCs.
Although PCCs were more frequently reported among younger adults, their effect on health-related quality of life was most pronounced in late middle-aged individuals. This age group—often in the workforce and managing multiple responsibilities—may be disproportionately affected by the loss of physical and mental functioning.
The findings emphasize the need for comprehensive, multidisciplinary care approaches and long-term support systems for individuals dealing with the effects of long COVID. The study authors advocate for targeted rehabilitation, better tracking systems, and more research to overcome current data limitations—such as the absence of vaccination and clinical severity information.
As COVID-19’s immediate threat fades, the long-term health consequences for millions remain a pressing public health challenge. The researchers urge national health planners to prioritize addressing PCCs as part of the pandemic’s ongoing legacy.
You Might Be Interested In:
- What Are the Different Types of Speech Disorders?
- Substance Use Disorder: Criteria, Types, Risks & Treatment
- Histrionic Personality Disorder: Symptoms, Causes & More
