Long Covid and Work: an Update

• Publication year: 2024
• Citation: Vol. 37 No. 1
• Author: DR. NICOLE ZAGELBAUM WARD, DO

Long COVID and Work: An Update

DR. NICOLE ZAGELBAUM WARD, DO

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

DR. GARY ZAGELBAUM, MD

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-Cov-2 virus has been the most significant medical challenge in the last century and has left an indelible mark on the world, claiming over 12 million lives from over 769 million confirmed cases. Even after billions of vaccine doses have been administered, a new concern has emerged which threatens to be as disruptive: a condition collectively referred to as long COVID. Although most of the millions of people in the United States who have been infected with COVID-19 recover, many of these individuals continue to experience significant persisting physical, cognitive, and psychological impairments that interfere with activities of daily life which can last for months or even years.

"Long COVID" is the term used to refer to symptoms that extend 3 months beyond the initial acute COVID-19 infection and cannot be explained by another illness. Long COVID is not a single isolated entity but represents many potential overlapping post COVID-19 health problems with different biologic causal factors, risks and outcomes, manifestations, and outcomes. It sets forth the notion that health problems, incapacity, and disability do not stop with resolution of the acute COVID-19 infection.

The long-term consequences of COVID have also deeply impacted the American workforce. An estimated 2 million individual workers have already suffered permanent disability leading to millions of missed days of work, diminished productivity, and costing billions of dollars for healthcare industry and workers' compensation claims. Many workers who contracted COVID-19 and experience long-term health problems are unable to return to work for many months or more and require continuous medical care. Over three fourths of these individuals are younger than 60 years of age. The overall burden on society, the labor force, and individual workers has been staggering.

BASICS OF COVID-19

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses named for the microscopic appearance of a "corona" which is Latin for "crown." Currently, there are 28 known species of corona viruses that affect humans. The effects on human health are variable and range from mild respiratory illnesses to life-threatening disease. The most notable coronavirus is named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) which was identified in 2019 and has caused a pandemic of illness resulting in millions of deaths around the world as well as lasting health problems among many who have survived the acute infection.

COVID-19 spreads from person-to-person via respiratory droplets. People infected with the virus release droplets of various sizes from their nose and throat during breathing, talking, and sneezing. Tiny infected particles can linger and remain suspended in the air for minutes to hours. Individuals become infected with viral particles when they inhale or swallow them. The risk of droplet or airborne transmission is affected by the virus level and the contagious individual's upper respiratory tract. People who have the virus can have no signs or symptoms of infection and still transmit the virus. Measures such as mask wearing and handwashing help reduce transmission of the virus...