Top 5 Takeaways

1. Prevalence of Long COVID: One third of participants reported at least one symptom 2 months after their positive SARS-CoV-2 test result.
2. Demographic Disparities: Higher odds of post-acute sequelae were observed among persons aged 40–54 years, females, and those with preexisting conditions.
3. Racial/Ethnic Differences: Black participants had higher odds of reporting dyspnea and myalgia/arthralgia compared with other racial/ethnic groups.
4. Common Symptoms: Fatigue, ageusia, parosmia/anosmia, dyspnea, and myalgia/arthralgia were the most frequently reported symptoms 2 months post-infection.
5. Need for Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of post-acute sequelae in diverse populations is essential to develop targeted prevention and treatment strategies.

Original Article Author and Citation

Corresponding Author

Kyle Yomogida, kyomogida@ucdavis.edu

Suggested Citation

Yomogida K, Zhu S, Rubino F, Figueroa W, Balanji N, Holman E. Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection Among Adults Aged ≥18 Years — Long Beach, California, April 1–December 10, 2020. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021;70:1274–1277. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7037a2

Summary

This study by the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (LBDHHS) assessed the prevalence and demographic characteristics associated with post-acute sequelae of COVID-19, also known as “long COVID,” among adults aged ≥18 years. Interviews with 366 participants revealed that one third reported at least one symptom 2 months after their positive SARS-CoV-2 test result. Higher odds of sequelae were found among persons aged 40–54 years, females, and those with preexisting conditions. Black participants had higher odds of reporting dyspnea and myalgia/arthralgia compared with other racial/ethnic groups.

Methods

Data were collected by LBDHHS under the authority of the Long Beach City Health Officer. A random sample of 791 persons was selected from 28,594 residents who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 between April 1 and December 10, 2020. Exclusions included persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities or those who had died. Interviews were conducted by telephone using a standardized survey instrument. Multivariable logistic regression and Poisson regression were used to analyze associations between symptoms and participant characteristics.

Discussion

The study found significant associations between post-acute sequelae and demographic factors such as age, sex, preexisting conditions, and race/ethnicity. The findings align with other studies regarding the impact of age and female sex on long COVID. The study also highlighted racial/ethnic disparities, emphasizing the need for targeted public health interventions to reduce inequities in COVID-19 outcomes.

Conclusion

Identifying groups disproportionately affected by post-acute COVID-19 sequelae is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies. Continuous monitoring and research are needed to address gaps in care and resources for diverse populations recovering from long-term COVID-19 effects.

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