Long COVID could become America’s next public health disaster, according to experts. As the world nears the fourth year of the Coronavirus pandemic, new variants and other viruses already overwhelm some healthcare systems.

Researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention believe most Americans have already had the virus by now. Still, studies suggest additional infections increase the chances for hospitalizations and death. The CDC says more than one million Americans have died during the pandemic, and more than 1,000 are still dying from COVID-19 every week.

What is Long COVID?

Another adverse impact of additional COVID-19 infections is prolonged infection. Simply, patients infected with COVID-19 report longer recovery times and lingering symptoms of the virus. Long haul COVID symptoms 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
• Lingering Cough, Chest Pain
• Heart Palpatations
• Change in Taste & Smell

The CDC also reports additional symptoms, including muscular and neurological changes in many patients. Additionally, The Department of Health and Human Services reports up to 30% of those who get coronavirus report lingering symptoms, impacting as many as 23 million Americans.

“Long Covid will be around long after the pandemic subsides, impacting our communities, our health care system, our economy and the well-being of future generations.”

Department of Health and Human Services Report

Moreover, as millions of Americans deal with long COVID complications, HHS expects the number of patients to continue growing.

Financial Toll

The lingering complications of Coronavirus are impacting more than patients health. Many patients are battling disability benefits, life insurance, household debt, forfeit retirement savings, and financial ruin. CNBC also spoke to David Cutler, an economist at Harvard University, who says “All told, long Covid is a $3.7 trillion drag on the U.S. economy — about 17% of our nation’s pre-pandemic economic output.” Click Here for more of CNBC’s in-depth look at factors that could be contributing to America’s next public health crisis.

Finally, these reports are a great reminder to review COVID-19 policies and procedures on your property. You can find helpful information here to keep staffs, residents, and yourself well this holiday season.