Hispanics/Latinos and African Americans More Likely to Experience Long COVID

A survey by the U.S. Census Bureau has shown that Hispanic and Black or African American adults are more likely than other groups to report symptoms of Long COVID. Women were also more likely than men to say they suffered from long-lasting COVID symptoms.

Long COVID refers to health problems that some people experience within a few months of a COVID-19 diagnosis. Signs and symptoms of Long COVID can be the same or different than COVID-19. These symptoms include but are not limited to: Whole body tiredness, sleep problems, weakness, changes in vision, neck pain, shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid or irregular heartbeat, swelling of legs or feet, shaking hands and hearing loss. Long COVID can also trigger other health issues, such as diabetes and kidney disease.

Scientists do not know what causes Long COVID, but ongoing research on the body’s immune system and its response to the COVID-19 virus may help us to better understand why this happens to some people.

We know that there are some factors that appear to increase the risk for Long COVID. Some groups of people have a higher risk, including:

• People who were hospitalized or needed intensive care for severe COVID-19.
• People who have underlying health conditions, like asthma, obesity, or autoimmune diseases.
• People who did not get a COVID-19 vaccine.
• People who are older (65 years +).

Other factors may also increase the risk of Long COVID among certain communities, due to poverty and racial injustice. For example, having a lower income or being unable to rest enough during the first few weeks after getting COVID-19 seems to raise the risk for Long COVID.

The best way to prevent Long COVID is to avoid getting COVID-19. People who are not vaccinated and become infected may have a higher risk of developing Long COVID. If you are not vaccinated and become ill with COVID-19, getting vaccinated after you recover may help to prevent Long COVID.