Long COVID: A Hidden Disability

Long COVID has significantly impacted the workforce, with about one million Americans estimated to have been pushed out of it due to the condition. It affects more than 5% of adults in the U.S., particularly those in their prime working years. Federal classifications of long COVID as a disability allow affected workers to seek accommodations, such as remote work and flexible hours. Many who experience long COVID exhibit symptoms that can be mistaken for common mental health issues, like depression and anxiety, yet these symptoms can affect various bodily systems. Updated vaccines are essential as COVID variants evolve, with current vaccines targeting prevalent strains and providing around four months of immunity.