Ongoing COVID-19 Symptoms May Bring Higher Risk of Disability in Years Ahead

Most people in the world would probably agree they are sick and tired of COVID-19. It may be one of the few things all humans worldwide would agree on. The problems of the virus crisis may linger after it is no longer a 'pandemic.'

Canadian research shows that there are 200 different COVID-19 symptoms across ten organ systems. Some of these symptoms include cognitive impairment like brain fog. There are many physical functional problems, including the inability to perform daily living activities and work or care for other family members. 

Other COVID-19 symptoms that linger over long periods of time include mood swings and loss of taste and smell. People have ongoing muscle weakness, stomach and intestinal problems, and joint pain.

Symptoms Lag Past Initial Infection

One in ten people infected with COVID-19 experience symptoms beyond 12 weeks. Some experts suggest these symptoms could last longer than a year, or some may never go away.

Some people with ongoing COVID-19 symptoms may require ongoing long-term health care services that would place additional strain on both facilities and in-home health agencies worldwide. 

The United States, Canada, Australia, and other nations are experiencing staffing shortages in long-term care facilities. The cost of long-term health care services in the United States is rising rapidly due to increased demand for care services and higher labor costs.

Long-Term Health Care Costs Rising

The LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator expects cost increases to rise in the decades ahead but added pressure from the virus crisis could increase these costs even more. 

Several groups are pushing the federal government to add additional funding for nursing homes. However, the passage of the infrastructure bill that would include long-term care is stalling in D.C. 

Currently, in the U.S., Medicaid is the largest payer of long-term care services, but a care recipient must have little or no income or assets to qualify. Many families will either fund long-term care from personal income and savings, or families will become caregivers despite being untrained and unprepared for this burdensome role.

LTC Insurance Paying Record Benefits in U.S.

Private Long-Term Care Insurance is already paying a record amount of benefits. In 2021 alone, the major companies paid over $12.3 Billion in benefits from these policies. However, Long-Term Care Insurance must be obtained before a person's health declines as they are medically underwritten. Most people purchase coverage in their 50s.

While many people focus on the short-term impact of the virus crisis, the long-term implications may be with us for a long time.