LONG COVID trends in U.S. adults show stable current prevalence but persistent functional burden from 2022 to 2024.
Long COVID Trends Plateau After 2023
Long COVID continued to affect millions of U.S. adults in the post-pandemic period, with new nationally representative data showing that lifetime prevalence rose from 2022 to 2023 before leveling off in 2024.
The analysis included 88,731 adults from three cycles of the National Health Interview Survey between 2022 and 2024. Participants self-reported COVID-19 infection, long COVID symptoms, and, in 2023 and 2024, the extent to which current symptoms limited daily activities.
Ever long COVID increased from 7.0% in 2022 to 8.4% in 2023, then remained similar at 8.3% in 2024. Current long COVID, however, showed little change, affecting 3.4% of adults in 2022, 3.6% in 2023, and 3.3% in 2024.
Current Long COVID Declined After Infection
Among adults with prior COVID-19 infection, both ever and current long COVID declined over time. Ever long COVID fell from 17.7% in 2022 to 13.7% in 2024, while current long COVID decreased from 8.6% to 5.5%.
This divergence suggests that, while the risk among previously infected adults may be decreasing, accumulating infections continue to sustain a substantial population-level burden. The findings point to long COVID as an ongoing clinical and public health concern rather than a resolved consequence of the pandemic.
Disparities Shape Long COVID Burden
Long COVID was more common among women, adults aged 35–64 years, Hispanic and non-Hispanic White adults, and those who were widowed, separated, or divorced. Higher prevalence was also seen among adults with lower educational attainment and those living below the federal poverty threshold.
Functional impact remained notable. Among adults with current long COVID in 2023 and 2024, 45.4% reported that daily activities were limited “a little,” while 19.8% reported that activities were limited “a lot.” Significant activity limitation was more common among older adults and individuals with lower income.
The study’s reliance on self-reported infection, symptoms, and activity limitation limits causal interpretation. Still, the nationally representative data reinforce the need for continued surveillance, targeted support for high-risk groups, and clinical awareness of persistent symptoms that may affect daily function, employment, and quality of life.
Reference
Jia X et al. Trends in long COVID among US adults, 2022-2024. Front Public Health. 2026;14:1809635.
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