New data shows 1 in 4 Delawareans who contracted COVID-19 had symptoms for 3+ months

Hannah Edelman, Delaware News Journal
Updated ·2 min read

One in 4 Delawareans who contracted COVID-19 experienced long COVID symptoms, according to new data from the Census Bureau.

The statistic comes from the latest Household Pulse Survey, which asked millions of Americans across the country about topics related to employment, health, food security, spending and housing. Surveys are issued about once a month.

In the latest batch of survey responses, 1 in 4 respondents who contracted COVID-19 said they had symptoms that lasted for at least three months. Common long COVID symptoms include brain fog, difficulty breathing, cough, fatigue, fever, changes in smell or taste, muscle pain and diarrhea, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Of the Delawareans who responded to whether their long-term symptoms reduced their ability to carry out day-to-day activities, the majority said yes.

Who's at risk for long COVID?

People who are unvaccinated, had underlying health problems before contracting COVID-19 or experienced more severe cases of COVID-19 are more likely to develop long COVID, the CDC said.

About 14% of Delawareans got an updated booster shot, according to data from the Department of Health and Social Services. Residents age 65 and older had the highest rate of booster shots, with 43% reported as receiving the latest dose.

Delawareans had a higher rate of overall vaccinations against COVID-19 than the rest of the country, according to the latest census data. And while Delaware's long COVID rate is about the same as the national average, CDC data shows that the state has a lower COVID-19 mortality rate.

MORE: These states have the highest rates of long COVID, Census data shows

Anyone who has not yet received their updated COVID-19 booster shot — or their first set of vaccine doses — can do so at local pharmacies, doctors' offices and community outreach events. The Division of Public Health also offers walk-in vaccinations at its clinics.

For more information about how to get vaccinated in Delaware, visit coronavirus.delaware.gov/vaccine/where-can-i-get-my-vaccine.

Send story tips or ideas to Hannah Edelman at hedelman@delawareonline.com. For more reporting, follow them on X at @h_edelman.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Long COVID affected 1 in 4 Delawareans who had virus