How widespread is Long COVID in a university population, and what’s driving disease risk? George Washington University (GWU) reports that findings from its large on-campus study support previous research, revealing that even young, healthy adults can have persistent symptoms following COVID-19.*

In 2021, experts were already viewing Long COVID as “the next national health disaster” and,  despite much research, various studies have yielded contradictory findings regarding who is at risk and what impact it can have on different populations. The recent GWU study, published in Emerging Infectious Diseases, sought to find some definitive answers. 

What the researchers did

The university setting provides a unique opportunity to learn more about Long COVID in a largely young and healthy population whose academic performance and life quality could be impacted. An investigative team at GWU aimed to build on existing research by looking at Long COVID prevalence and predictors within its own student body and staff. The study involved 1,338 people at GWU who exhibited Long COVID symptoms after testing positive for COVID-19 between July 2021 and March 2022.

A rigorous COVID safety protocol was in place during the pandemic, consisting of:

• Regular testing, 
• Full vaccination required for all GW students and staff by August 2021, and 
• A first booster shot needed by March 2022. 

GWU’s COVID Support Team, headed by Megan Landry, who also led the study, interviewed each person with COVID at least one month after testing positive.

What they found

Landry’s team found that Long COVID prevalence on campus was 36%. It was highest among those who were:

• Female
• Current or former smokers
• Living with underlying health conditions
• Not fully vaccinated or boosted

Regarding initial infection, the team found Long COVID prevalence highest in those who:

• Experienced symptoms during COVID infection
• Reported a greater number of COVID symptoms
• Pursued medical treatment
• Received antibody therapy

What it means

The authors say the results are important for supporting Long COVID sufferers in a college environment. Senior study author Lynn R. Goldman, dean of GWU’s Milken School of Public Health, said the findings parallel other U.S. studies, and highlight the importance of vaccination and booster shots for protection against COVID-19 and Long COVID.

Said Landry, “The findings from this study and others highlight the need to better support people with Long COVID. Additionally, we again see the importance of reducing chronic disease and eliminating tobacco use. Prolonged symptoms of COVID-19 are yet another one of a series of adverse health impacts that results [sic] from high rates of chronic disease and smoking.”

Overall, the authors say, more research is needed to determine Long COVID’s prevalence across populations and why some people develop the chronic condition while others do not.

*George Washington University. (2023, January 26). Study shows prevalence of long COVID in a university community. Medical Xpress. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-01-prevalence-covid-university-community.html