Home Virginia Department of Health begins Long COVID study in rural Southwest Virginia
Virginia News

Virginia Department of Health begins Long COVID study in rural Southwest Virginia

Crystal Graham
person in mask outdoors
(© Nicole – stock.adobe.com)

The Central Virginia Health District began a Long COVID surveillance project in October 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.

The purpose of the study is to improve the 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.

Study criteria

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

  • Had COVID-19 at least once
  • A diagnosis of Long COVID is not required to participate
  • 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

The study

  • If you meet the qualifications and would like to enroll, go to  https://redcap.link/virginialongcovidstudy
  • The health district 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.

Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

Crystal Abbe Graham is the regional editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, she has worked for 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of Virginia Tonight, a nightly TV news show on PBS. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television.