Just months ago, people were planning to return to some semblance of normalcy as multiple COVID-19 vaccinations became available. Unfortunately, those who already had COVID (as well as unvaccinated individuals and those who experience breakthrough infections) continue to struggle with long-term complications.
So-called “long haulers” are individuals who suffer from myriad health issues long after they recover from the initial infection. These conditions can be so disruptive that a person cannot return to work in the same capacity.
Long-term symptoms that prevent people from working
Some of the common symptoms COVID long haulers experience include:
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Extended loss of taste or smell
- Muscle pains
- Brain fog, or difficulty concentrating
- Heart problems
- Dizziness
Further, parties recovered from the COVID infection can often experience emotional and psychological problems. These include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Post-intensive care syndrome, or PICS
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
Long haulers often experience several of these symptoms resulting in frequent or long-term hospitalization, restricted mobility, and complications requiring comprehensive medical care and treatment.
These can prevent a person from working to support themselves.
Seeking financial help
If you or your family member is experiencing long-haul symptoms of COVID-19, you could be eligible for a variety of financial support programs.
If you contracted COVID-19 on the job, you could be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. These can cover your medical expenses and replace a portion of your income while you cannot work.
You could also be eligible for disability benefits if your conditions are severe and expected to last over a year. However, COVID-19 is so new that many people have not experienced long-haul symptoms for a year yet. That said, there will likely be an increase in these cases in the near future.
Determining your legal and financial options when you are also coping with a severe, disabling condition can seem overwhelming. However, considerable economic benefits could be available, which can make all the difference in your care and stability. Making it a priority to seek these benefits can help you focus on your recovery and the future.