Post-Covid Could Rival the Great Recession with $3.7 Trillion Impact

Post-Covid, also known as Long Covid, Long-Haul Covid, Post-Acute Covid Syndrome and Chronic Covid is a chronic illness that has affected as many as 23 million Americans.

Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus recover within a couple of weeks. However, that is not the case for everyone. For some, that virus morphs into a chronic disease known as Post-Covid. 

According to the CDC, symptoms of Post-Covid include:

• • Tiredness or fatigue that interferes with daily life
  • Symptoms that get worse after physical or mental effort (also known as “post-exertional malaise”)
  • Fever
  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Cough
  • Chest pain
  • Fast-beating or pounding heart (also known as heart palpitations)
  • Difficulty thinking or concentrating (sometimes referred to as “brain fog”)
  • Headache
  • Sleep problems
  • Dizziness when you stand up (lightheadedness)
  • Pins-and-needles feelings
  • Change in smell or taste
  •  Depression or anxiety

On top of these symptoms, some people experience new health conditions brought on by the Covid-19 virus including autoimmune conditions or multiorgan effects. Per the CDC, “Multiorgan effects can involve many body systems, including the heart, lung, kidney, skin, and brain. As a result of these effects, people who have had COVID-19 may be more likely to develop new health conditions such as diabetes, heart conditions, or neurological conditions compared with people who have not had COVID-19.” 

Post-Covid is not only destructive to Americans’ health but also to the economy. 

CNBC reported information collected by economist David Cutler that stated, “ long Covid is a $3.7 trillion drag on the U.S. economy — about 17% of our nation’s pre-pandemic economic output.”

Cutler’s breakdown of the estimated $3.7 trillion is as followed: 

– Reduced quality of life: $2.2T

– Reduced earnings: $997B

– Increased medical expenses: $528B

Post-Covid is believed to stick around long after the pandemic subsides, “impacting our communities, our health care system, our economy and the well-being of future generations,” according to the United States Department of Health and Human Services.