Hopeless. Fatigue. Pain. Fear. Disabling. Exhausting. These are just a few of the words used by Utahns to explain their experiences with Long COVID.
Often persisting for months or years after the initial illness, Long COVID remains a significant concern in Utah. A new report from the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, released Wednesday, shows that nearly 1 in 12 Utahns currently have symptoms of Long COVID.
One of those Utahns with Long COVID is Christine Maughan of Logan, who got sick with COVID-19 in early 2020 and “nothing has been the same since.” Prior to getting sick, she was an endurance cyclist who skied or hiked nearly every weekend. Now, she has regular fevers, rashes, and extreme fatigue, and while she didn’t take any daily medications before getting sick she now takes more than a dozen.
“I thought I knew what being tired was before getting COVID, but this is unlike any fatigue I’ve ever experienced. You can’t just push through it,” Maughan said. “I have to carefully plan every aspect of my life because I have such limited energy, if I do one thing I may not be able to do anything else. Every day is a calculation.”
Using updated 2024 data, the report shows Long COVID is more common among women, people identifying as Hispanic/Latino or LGBTQ, people in their 40s and 50s, and people who did not get vaccinated against COVID-19. Additionally, people with Long COVID report poorer physical health and greater rates of depression, anxiety, social isolation, and financial hardship.
“Long COVID is a potentially serious condition affecting the lives of many Utahns,” said Rachel Kubiak, an epidemiologist and the primary author of the report. “This report highlights the need for increased awareness and support for people living with Long COVID, along with actions you can take today.”
Along with the data, the report includes artwork from people who have been diagnosed with Long COVID that illustrates the many ways the disease impacts their lives.