Share of people with long COVID symptoms in the UK in 2022, by age

According to a survey conducted in the United Kingdom (UK) in April 2022, 4.13 percent of all people aged between 35 and 49 years reported to be suffering from long COVID symptoms, the highest share across all age groups. Furthermore, around 3.7 percent of the population aged 50 to 69 years were estimated to suffer from long COVID. Overall, around 863 thousand people in the UK reported their ability to undertake daily activities and routines was affected a little by long COVID symptoms.

Present state of COVID-19

As of May 2022, over 22 million COVID-19 cases had been reported in the UK. The largest surge of cases was noted over the winter period 2021/22. The incidence of cases in the county since the pandemic began stood at around 32,624 per 100,000 population. Cyprus had the highest incidence of COVID-19 cases among its population in Europe at 75,798 per 100,000 people, followed by a rate of 51,573 in Iceland. Over 175 thousand COVID-19 deaths have been reported in the UK. The deadliest day on record was January 20, 2021, when 1,820 deaths were recorded. In the UK, a COVID-19 death is defined as a person who died within 28 days of a positive test.

Preventing long COVID through vaccination

According to the WHO, being fully vaccinated alongside a significant proportion of the population also vaccinated is the best way to avoid the spread of COVID-19 or serious symptoms associated with the virus. It is therefore regarded that receiving a vaccine course as well as subsequent booster vaccines limits the chance of developing long COVID symptoms. As of April 27, 2022, around 53.2 million first doses, 49.7 million second doses, and 39.2 booster doses had been administered in the UK.