The pandemic is over, but its impact persists: "Long" COVID costs the global economy $1 trillion

A study published on August 9 in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Medicine examined the global impact of this condition by drawing on previous research.

Researchers estimate that as of the end of 2023, 6 percent of adults and 1 percent of children worldwide—totaling 400 million people—have contracted Long COVID.

Since the study did not include data on individuals who contracted COVID-19 more than once, the actual number is believed to be much higher.

Calculating the financial burden of the disease while excluding healthcare costs, the team estimated that Long COVID costs Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries between $864 billion and $1.04 trillion annually.

GLOBAL ECONOMIC LOSS OF $1 TRILLION

Long COVID expert researchers write in the article:

Based on a conservative estimate derived from all available data, the annual global economic loss from Long COVID could be approximately $1 trillion, or 1 percent of the 2024 global GDP.

Scientists base this estimate on the decline in quality of life and reductions in labor force participation.

The team conducting the new study calls for better research into Long COVID. According to the study, only 7 to 10 percent of patients with Long COVID recover completely after two years.

Furthermore, it is emphasized that Long COVID affects "almost all organ systems," including the heart, immune system, and reproductive system.

'GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS ARE EAGER TO ACT AS IF COVID DOES NOT EXIST'

The research team states that both the mechanisms behind the disease must be better understood and new vaccines and drugs must be developed against it.

Lead author of the article Ziyad Al-Aly says, "I think government institutions are eager to act as if COVID is over and Long COVID does not exist," and adds:

It feels much nicer to act as if emergency room visits and hospitalizations have not risen sharply this summer.