The Top Long COVID Symptom Is Cough Lasting Over 4 Weeks... KDCA Says "Less Frequent After Vaccination"

[Asia Economy Reporter Byeon Seon-jin] A survey found that those vaccinated against COVID-19 experience fewer long-term symptoms such as cough, sputum, and fatigue lasting more than 4 weeks compared to unvaccinated confirmed cases.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) announced the "Preliminary Results of the COVID-19 Sequelae Experience Survey" on the 19th. This survey was conducted as part of the 2022 National Health Survey, including questions about symptoms experienced and their types lasting more than 4 weeks after COVID-19 confirmation.

According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey of 3,915 people aged 1 year and older, 24.7% of confirmed cases experienced symptoms lasting more than 4 weeks due to COVID-19 infection. Among them, women (30.7%) had a higher rate than men (16.1%).

The main symptoms were 'cough and sputum,' followed by 'fatigue' and 'sore throat.' Among those experiencing these symptoms, 68.1% responded that their daily life was affected even slightly. Despite symptoms lasting more than 4 weeks, 56.9% reported not receiving treatment.

According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey targeting those aged 19 and older, the rate of experiencing symptoms lasting more than 4 weeks differed depending on COVID-19 vaccination status. Vaccinated individuals (30.0%) had a lower rate than unvaccinated individuals (44.8%).

Similar results were observed in the Community Health Survey conducted on those aged 19 and older. The rate of experiencing symptoms lasting more than 4 weeks was lower in vaccinated individuals (19.7%) compared to unvaccinated individuals (23.4%).

Ji Young-mi, Director of the KDCA, stated, "The rate of experiencing symptoms lasting more than 4 weeks was lower in those vaccinated against COVID-19 compared to unvaccinated individuals. In the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, participation in additional vaccinations according to recommended guidelines is necessary."

Detailed analysis results of this survey will be announced in April through the National Health Survey analysis reports, 'National Health Statistics Plus' and 'Community Health Statistics at a Glance.'

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.