Long COVID Impacts 400 Million, Costs $1 Trillion

Long COVID continues to be a significant global health crisis, affecting approximately 400 million individuals and imposing an annual economic burden of around $1 trillion, equivalent to 1% of the global economy. Despite its widespread impact, there are currently no effective treatments or diagnostic tests for Long COVID, with only 7% to 10% of patients achieving full recovery within two years of diagnosis. Researchers emphasize the urgent need for increased funding and research into Long COVID to understand its long-term effects and develop effective treatments. The risk of developing Long COVID escalates with repeated COVID-19 infections, particularly as new variants emerge, prompting calls for governments to take the issue more seriously. Experts warn that the public health response has been inadequate, with rising emergency department visits indicating the ongoing severity of the situation. The need for a comprehensive approach to address both the medical and economic implications of Long COVID is more pressing than ever.