The COVID-19 pandemic has left a lasting legacy, not only through the immediate health crisis it created but also in the form of long-term effects that many individuals continue to experience. These lingering effects are known as Post COVID-19 condition, or long COVID. Defined as the persistence of symptoms for more than 12 weeks after an initial COVID-19 infection, long COVID can affect both adults and children—even if they were never formally tested or diagnosed with COVID-19 or had only mild to moderate symptoms.
Navigating the claims process and getting the proper disability advice is very important in making sure you can get the proper time off work fully compensated by your employer.
What Is Long COVID?
Long COVID is a complex and often debilitating condition that can present with a wide array of symptoms. There have been reports of over 100 different symptoms associated with long COVID, and its impact can vary greatly from person to person. The most common symptoms in adults include:
• Fatigue: A persistent sense of tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest.
• Trouble sleeping: Difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep.
• Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing, even with minimal exertion.
• General pain and discomfort: Unexplained aches and pains throughout the body.
• Cognitive problems: Memory loss, difficulty thinking or concentrating—often referred to as "brain fog."
• Mental health symptoms: Increased anxiety and depression, exacerbated by the chronic nature of the condition.
In children, the symptoms can also be challenging and include:
• Fatigue: Persistent tiredness that affects daily activities.
• Headaches: Frequent or severe headaches.
• Abdominal pain: Unexplained stomach pain that can disrupt daily life.
• Sleep problems: Difficulty with sleeping patterns, including insomnia.
• Shortness of breath: Breathing difficulties that may limit physical activity.
• Cognitive problems: Trouble thinking clearly or concentrating, affecting school performance.
• Muscle aches and joint pains: Unexplained pains that can interfere with physical play and activities.
Long COVID has also been observed to cause ongoing bacterial infections, particularly in women, as well as reactivation of viruses such as herpes simplex virus (HSV), bacterial vaginosis and internal shingles. These conditions add to the complexity of long COVID, with patients experiencing a wide range of secondary health issues that further complicate their recovery. Clinics dedicated to Long COVID research are actively investigating these phenomena to understand the underlying mechanisms and develop effective treatment strategies. The persistence and emergence of these infections underscore the need for comprehensive care Long Covid symptoms can fluctuate in severity and may sometimes disappear and then reappear without a clear explanation. Many patients find that physical or mental over-exertion worsens their symptoms, complicating the management of daily responsibilities, including work.
Some doctors believe that Long COVID may be similar in nature to the chickenpox virus, which remains dormant in the body and can reactivate later in life as shingles, often triggered by stress or a new illness. In this view, the COVID-19 virus could persist in a latent form within the body, only to be reactivated by subsequent infections, colds, or other stressors. This reactivation might explain the recurring and fluctuating symptoms seen in Long COVID patients, as well as the emergence of new symptoms long after the initial infection has cleared. This theory is still being explored, but it offers a potential explanation for the chronic and unpredictable nature of Long COVID.
Who is Most at Risk?
While research into long COVID is still evolving, current evidence suggests that certain groups of people might be at a higher risk of developing Post COVID-19 condition. These include:
• Females: Some studies suggest that women are more likely to develop long COVID than men.
• People who had a more severe COVID-19 illness: Especially those who were hospitalized or needed admission to intensive care.
• Individuals with underlying chronic conditions: Those with pre-existing health issues may be more susceptible to long COVID.
Long-Term Effects: Insights from Research
Long COVID is a relatively new condition, and research into its long-term effects is ongoing. Preliminary results from the Canadian COVID-19 Antibody and Health Survey, released in October 2022, offer valuable insights into the prevalence and impact of long COVID in Canada.
The survey found that around 15% of adults who contracted COVID-19 experienced, or continue to experience, longer-term symptoms three or more months following their initial infection. Among these adults:
• 47% had symptoms for 1 year or longer: A significant portion of those affected have been dealing with long COVID for an extended period, underscoring the chronic nature of the condition.
• 21% reported that their symptoms often or always limited their daily activities: For many, long COVID is not just a lingering illness but a condition that severely impacts their ability to function day-to-day.
• 74.1% of those who were employed or attending school missed work or school due to their symptoms: The impact of long COVID on education and employment is profound, with many individuals unable to maintain their usual routines.
• On average, these adults missed an estimated 20 days each: This significant loss of work or school time highlights the disruptive nature of long COVID.
These findings align with other international studies, suggesting that long COVID is a global challenge that requires continued attention and support.
Mental Health and Long COVID
Many individuals with long COVID report changes in their mental health, including increased anxiety and depression. These mental health challenges can stem from the ongoing physical symptoms and the uncertainty about recovery. It's important to recognize these changes and seek help if you're experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression. Talking to a healthcare provider is a crucial first step in finding the support you need, whether through therapy, medication, or other mental health resources.
The Impact on Work
For those suffering from long COVID, the ability to work can be significantly compromised. The combination of fatigue, cognitive difficulties, and mental health challenges can make it difficult to meet the demands of a typical workday. This can lead to reduced productivity, increased absences, and, in some cases, the inability to continue working in the same capacity or at all.
Employers must recognize the impact that long COVID can have on an employee’s performance and well-being. Flexible working arrangements, reduced hours, or extended leave may be necessary to support affected employees. If long COVID symptoms prevent you from working, you may be eligible for disability benefits or Employment Insurance (EI), which can provide financial assistance while you focus on recovery.
For some employees, the complex health issues caused by Long COVID may necessitate filing short-term or even long-term disability claims to manage their condition effectively. The chronic and unpredictable nature of Long COVID often requires extensive time off work to attend frequent medical appointments, which can include various diagnostic procedures, specialist consultations, and visits to physiotherapy clinics. These ongoing healthcare needs make it difficult for affected individuals to maintain regular work schedules, emphasizing the importance of disability benefits in providing the necessary support and financial stability during their recovery process.
The Challenges of Doctor's Approaches to Long COVID
The approach of many doctors in supporting Long COVID claims often falls short, leading to significant frustration and prolonged suffering for patients. Frequently, healthcare providers fail to recognize the wide range of symptoms as manifestations of Long COVID, opting instead to investigate each symptom group in isolation. This fragmented approach can result in incomplete diagnoses, as family doctors may not link all symptoms to the underlying condition. Limited understanding of Long COVID among many practitioners means they struggle to offer appropriate treatment, leading to a series of disjointed medical appointments and ongoing uncertainty for patients. Additionally, incorrect or incomplete completion of disability claim forms by doctors exacerbates the issue, requiring patients to repeatedly request accurate diagnoses for insurance reviews. The confusing and varied symptoms of Long COVID also complicate matters for case managers handling disability claims, further burdening those already struggling with this complex condition. This highlights the urgent need for improved education and streamlined approaches to better support and diagnose Long COVID effectively.
Sun Life Insurance Embraces Virtual Care and Mental Health Support for Long COVID
Sun Life Insurance, a major player in the disability insurance sector, has recently highlighted the transformative impact of virtual care on managing Long COVID. One of the few positive outcomes of the pandemic has been the rapid advancement of virtual health care, which significantly enhances accessibility. For individuals struggling with Long COVID, virtual care becomes a crucial support system, especially given that symptoms like fatigue can make in-person appointments challenging. While virtual care is not intended to replace family doctors and specialists, it serves as a valuable complement, extending access and availability of care—particularly vital for those in underserved communities. In addition, Sun Life has emphasized the importance of mental health support, noting research that shows a higher likelihood of neurological and psychological disorders among COVID-19 survivors. With over 30% of individuals diagnosed with such conditions within six months of recovery, Sun Life recognizes that while Long COVID itself is not a mental health disorder, it often triggers significant mental health symptoms. Their commitment to integrating virtual care and mental health support into benefits plans reflects a forward-thinking approach to addressing the complex needs of employees affected by Long COVID.
Canada's Strategic Approach to Long COVID: Funding, Research, and a Roadmap for the Future
On May 28, 2024, the Government of Canada reaffirmed its commitment to addressing Long COVID through targeted research and strategic planning. In collaboration with partners, Canada continues to support scientific activities aimed at informing evidence-based policies and programs to better understand, prevent, manage, and treat post COVID-19 condition. Budget 2022 allocated $9 million to the Public Health Agency of Canada over three years to develop and evaluate guidelines and tools for patients, caregivers, and health professionals. An additional $20 million over five years was directed to the Canadian Institutes of Health Research to study the long-term effects of COVID-19 on Canadians. To further these efforts, the Task Force on Post COVID-19 Condition was established in August 2022 to create a scientific roadmap for managing the condition. Their work, culminating in a full report published in March 2023, outlines critical data gaps and offers recommendations to address the health and socioeconomic impacts of Long COVID. The Canadian government is now reviewing these recommendations to guide future responses, ensuring that the nation is equipped to support those affected by this ongoing health challenge.
Moving Forward
As we continue to navigate the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s crucial to raise awareness about long COVID and its impact on work, mental health, and those who are most at risk. Understanding and acknowledging this condition is essential to providing the necessary support for those affected.
Whether you're an employer, a colleague, or someone experiencing long COVID yourself, recognizing the challenges posed by this condition and advocating for appropriate support can make a significant difference. Long COVID is not just a lingering illness; it’s a complex, ongoing health challenge that requires empathy, understanding, and practical solutions as we move forward in a post-pandemic world.
Embracing the Long-Term Impact of Long COVID: A Call for Understanding and Support
The widespread impact of Long COVID underscores a critical need for societal awareness and empathy as we navigate its long-term effects. This condition is reshaping our communities, affecting not just individuals but also altering how we interact with our colleagues, peers, friends, and family members. Understanding Long COVID’s diverse and often debilitating symptoms—ranging from persistent fatigue and cognitive difficulties to mental health challenges—is essential for fostering a supportive environment. This awareness calls for greater education about the condition’s impact and a commitment to providing the necessary support for those on their journey to recovery.
As we collectively address the aftermath of the pandemic, it’s important to recognize the ongoing needs and patience required in supporting those who continue to deal with Long COVID’s enduring effects. Our shared responsibility is to cultivate a compassionate and informed approach, ensuring that everyone affected receives the understanding and assistance they need during this challenging period.