United States: The health experts of the US have shared an ‘alarming’ increase in the number of American adults – who have been dealing with symptoms associated with long COVID. The stats have been officially revealed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Accordingly, the stats have been shared by the health authority after the health agency relaxed the isolation recommendations linked to COVID-19. The reports mentioned that around 6.8 percent of adults Americans are experiencing the signs and symptoms linked to long COVID, i.e. around 17.6 million Americans are might dealing with long COVID.

While commenting on the same, the Nash Family Director of the Cohen Center for Recovery From Complex Chronic Illness at Mount Sinai – David Putrino, mentioned, “This should be setting off alarms for many people. We’re really starting to see issues emerging faster than I expected,” as per The Guardian.

Reportedly, a similar survey was conducted by health experts during the month of October, during which it was revealed that 5.3 percent of participants were dealing with the symptoms linked to long COVID.

The increase was analyzed by health experts, and a rise of 1.5 percentage points has been observed subsequent to the second-largest surge of infections throughout the United States during this winter, as gauged by accessible wastewater data.

In excess of three-quarters of individuals currently afflicted with enduring COVID-19 symptoms assert that the ailment constrains their daily undertakings, with roughly one-fifth expressing a significant impact on their activities – an estimated 3.8 million Americans now grappling with debilitating health issues following COVID-19 infection.

A novel investigation has revealed that numerous individuals in the United Kingdom may be sidelined from employment due to the enduring effects of Covid-19. Americans have likewise exhibited higher absenteeism rates since the onset of the pandemic.

The prevalence of adults presently enduring COVID-19 symptoms has not reached such heights since November 2022; the most substantial incidence since the CDC commenced tracking the ailment occurred at 7.6% in June and July 2022.

The “estimates represent just a snapshot in time”, rendering it challenging to discern the influence of various factors such as recent upsurges, vaccination rates, novel variants, and survey methodologies, articulated Dave Daigle, a spokesperson for the CDC.

The most recent Household Pulse survey was conducted between 9 January and 5 February, querying respondents regarding the duration of their Covid-19 symptoms, with symptoms persisting for three months or longer. As enduring Covid-19 symptoms, by definition, manifest or linger post-infection, the prevalence may continue to ascend in forthcoming months despite a decline in infections from the winter zenith.

The anticipated release of the subsequent survey findings is slated for the month’s conclusion.

US health agencies delineate enduring COVID-19 as symptoms persisting for four weeks or more, potentially indicating a higher prevalence than what is reflected in this survey.

Geographical disparities are noteworthy, with the highest incidence rates reported in North Dakota, Kentucky, West Virginia, Alaska, and Maine and the lowest in Hawaii, Pennsylvania, and Wyoming.

The survey discovered that a total of 17.6% of American adults have encountered enduring Covid-19 symptoms at some point.

Although minors are not encompassed in the CDC survey, they also endure enduring COVID-19, experiencing fatigue, cognitive impairment, and headaches, alongside severe respiratory and cardiovascular complications such as myocarditis, as indicated by studies.

The surge in enduring COVID-19 cases is particularly disconcerting because “we still don’t possess a comprehensive understanding of all the ramifications of enduring COVID-19, how it operates, and why,” articulated Lara Jirmanus, a clinical instructor at Harvard Medical School and a member of the People’s CDC.

Disregarding COVID-19 cases presently is “hubris that nearly presupposes our ability to foresee the future,” asserted Jirmanus. “No one can prognosticate the consequences of enduring COVID-19 five years hence. I consider it unwise to discard all caution,” according to The Guardian.

Survey results were disseminated on 22 February, over a week prior to the CDC updating its Covid-19 isolation guidelines. The CDC’s counsel to discontinue isolation once symptoms commence improvement contradicts scientific evidence and will likely contribute to increased viral transmission and a surge in enduring Covid-19 cases, experts cautioned.

In this regard, Putrino mentioned, “It’s very irresponsible advice, and it just doesn’t follow the science. And it’s a shame because we rely on public officials and we rely on government officials to interpret and present science to us – that’s their job. And right now, they’re failing in their responsibility to us.”

While vaccines help reduce the risk of developing long Covid, the best way to prevent it is by avoiding Covid, Putrino said – especially since repeat infections raise the likelihood of prolonged illness. “Every time you get a Covid infection, you place yourself at higher risk of going on to develop long Covid.”

The health expert further stated that long COVID is not simple as an individual an witness a resurgence of the disease or worsening of symptoms with new infections. In this regard, a study revealed that as many as 80 percent of patients experienced more severe symptoms with reinfection.

As per a recent study, there is no specific medication or treatment for the long-term, which has just increased the concerns and threats linked to the disease.