The passage of time, is bringing Long Covid insights.
“Long Covid” or “Post Covid” is condition in which symptoms continue even after someone recovers from a Covid infection. And the symptoms and severity vary with each person. But some common reported symptoms include fatigue, chronic headaches, fever, depression, pain, and many other issues.
We first reported on it on June 1, 2020, after it was first recognized in children. Later, it was recognized in adults, also. In fact, we continue to report on it and consider it a priority public health issue.
An NPR report in August, 2022found that millions of people were likely sidelined from their jobs due to it. They interviewed Katie Bach, a senior fellow with the Brookings Institution. She pulled data from multiple public sources to determine the impact on the workforce. And she conservatively concluded that long Covid has sidelined 4 million workers. As she points out in the interview, “That’s 2.4% of the U.S. working population.”
However, as the NPR article underscores, “The problem with coming up with accommodations for long COVID is that there are so many unknowns. The duration and severity of symptoms vary wildly from person to person.”
A recent report by Jeff Wise looks closer at this. And finds a silver lining in the data.
We will continue to monitor this important public health issue. And in the future, we will develop tools and guides to assist those that long Covid impacts.
How to get Vaccinated
There are many options. And many drug stores, Walmart and others provide it. And at no cost. Here are some methods:
Illustration by Natasha Remarchuk