Southwest Virginia Health Districts conduct Long Covid study

LYNCHBURG — The Central Virginia Health District began a Long COVID surveillance project in October of 2023 that is now available to all residents of Southwest Virginia.

Long COVID is when a person is still sick two or more months after getting COVID-19. Symptoms can include trouble breathing, a cough, feeling weak and tired, and problems with certain organs, such as the heart, brain, or lungs. A diagnosis of Long COVID is not required to participate. We want to learn about any long-term effects that people might have two or more months after a COVID-19 infection.

To participate in the study, you must meet the following criteria:

•Had COVID-19 at least once or been diagnosed with Long COVID

•Experienced symptoms lasting at least two months after a COVID infection

•Must be a resident of one of the following health districts: Roanoke City and Alleghany, Central Virginia, Cumberland Plateau, LENOWISCO, Mount Rogers, New River, Pittsylvania-Danville, Southside, or West Piedmont.

If you qualify and would like to enroll, go to https://redcap.link/virginialongcovidstudy. A member from our team will make contact, review consent, and complete a phone interview. Individuals will then be asked to participate in follow up interviews in three and six months after the initial interview.

Findings from the study will be submitted for future publication and presentation to the scientific community and made available at CVHD.org. The purpose of the study is to improve our understanding of how Long COVID affects the residents of rural Virginia, assess the quality of support participants have received, and identify Long COVID resource needs.

Additional questions about the project can be directed to Cali Anderson at cali.anderson@vdh.virginia.gov. For more information about Long COVID, visit https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/protect-yourself/longcovid/