In a recent study published in the journal PLOS One, researchers analyzed data from almost 500,000 Americans to investigate the national-scale effects of long-COVID. Their results reveal that long-term COVID prevalence varies from state to state – Hawaii has the lowest, with 11 % and West Virginia has the highest, with 18%. Long-COVID varied by ethnicity, with White Americans more likely to suffer from the condition compared to Blacks and Asians. Contracting long-COVID at any time was strongly correlated with adverse mental health outcomes in contrast to short COVID, which surprisingly resulted in improved reported well-being than no COVID. Physical well-being showed a similar trend, with long-COVID patients and survivors reporting difficulty in movement. Vaccination was found to have positive effects on outcomes in both long- and short-COVID cohorts.
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has infected over 771 million people and resulted in almost 7 million deaths since its emergence in December 2019. This makes it one of the most severe pandemics in human history. Unfortunately, a large number of the over 760 million survivors have suffered from persistent COVID-19-like symptoms long after the disease, a condition colloquially referred to as ‘long-COVID.’
Most recent global estimates report over 65 million confirmed long-COVID cases, but given the novelty and lack of public awareness about the condition, this number is almost definitely an underestimate. Research has elucidated that approximately 43% of all COVID-19 patients suffer from one or more long-COVID symptoms. While the disease remains clinically undefined and vague, the World Health Organization (WHO) defines it as the persistence or development of symptoms three months following the initial COVID-19 diagnosis, lasting two months or longer.
Long-COVID presents a severe detriment to human well-being (quality of life) and socioeconomic loss – studies in the United Kingdom and Europe have revealed that Long-COVID symptoms may persist for two years or longer. Patients suffering from the condition are significantly less likely to engage in salaried work, resulting in deficits in the UK and European job markets.
This article discusses the positive development as Medicare expands its roster of available mental health professionals, signaling a crucial step towards increased accessibility and support for individuals seeking mental health care. The expansion includes the addition of licensed marriage and family therapists and licensed professional counselors, offering a more diverse range of mental health practitioners covered under Medicare. This shift is particularly significant as it addresses the growing demand for mental health services and promotes a more inclusive approach to mental well-being.
The article emphasizes how this expansion can contribute to reducing barriers to mental health care, making it more accessible for those in need. With a broader selection of professionals now covered by Medicare, individuals have greater flexibility in choosing the mental health support that aligns with their unique needs and preferences.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or facing mental health challenges, RehabNear.Me is here to help. Call us at 855-339-1112, and our compassionate team will provide guidance and connect you with appropriate addiction treatment resources and mental health support tailored to your unique needs. Seeking help is a courageous step towards a brighter and healthier future. Reach out today.
State-by-State Snapshot: Long-COVID’s Grip Varies, with Mental Health in the Crosshairs https://t.co/q5wXQJnU2a #rehabnearme 855-339-1112
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