Lawmakers in Washington D.C. are hearing and learning about the long term effects of those who have had Covid-19. On Thursday, patients had the opportunity to share their experience on Capitol Hill and how the long term symptoms from the virus have affected their life.
Symptoms of "Long Covid" include breathing problems, brain fog, headaches and trouble concentrating according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; those are just some of the symptoms. The CDC website says Researchers are working to understand which people or groups of people are more likely to have Long Covid, and why.
Here in South Carolina, nearly 13% of adults, 18 and older, who have had Covid said they experienced symptoms of the virus lasting 3 months or longer, according to the CDC website, hence the name "Long Covid." Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau from October 2023.
As for preventing Long Covid, the CDC strongly suggests vaccination, improving ventilation, washing hands and avoiding close contact with people who may have the virus. Long Covid appears to be less common in children and teens than adults, but can occur.