What Is Long COVID?
As public health regulations shift in this second year of the COVID-19 pandemic, life for many Nova Scotians may begin to resemble some semblance of “normalcy.” More than half of the province’s residents are fully vaccinated against the virus. Cases have been on a steady decline, and hospitalizations have decreased despite the pandemic’s seventh wave in summer 2022.
The impacts of this unprecedented global emergency have been far-reaching. Thousands of Nova Scotians have been infected with the virus, with hundreds facing hospitalization and even death.
The majority of patients with COVID-19 make a full recovery within a month, without medical intervention. However, between 10-20% of individuals experience symptoms for more than 12 weeks. This is known as post-COVID condition, or long COVID.
If you or someone you love is living with this condition, you may be entitled to financial support through long term disability benefits provided by your insurance company. Contact our Nova Scotia long term disability benefits lawyers today to learn what support we might be able to provide.
What Are the Symptoms of Long COVID?
Just as the symptoms of COVID-19 range from person to person, so too do the symptoms of long COVID. Here is a list of the most common symptoms:
Among adults who have had COVID-19:
- Foggy brain, difficulty concentrating
- Fatigue
- Disturbed sleep
- Shortness of breath
- Memory problems
- Depression
- Anxiety
- General pain and discomfort
Among children who have had COVID-19:
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Shortness of breath
- Cognitive difficulties
- Confusion or disorientation
- Headaches
- Stomach pain
- Aches and pains in the muscles and/or joints
- Disturbed sleep
Research is ongoing as to why some people develop long COVID. It is not necessarily connected to having had a severe initial infection. Current evidence shows that even a young person with a mild case can develop the condition.
Effects of Long COVID
Scientists and medical professionals are still investigating the full extent of long COVID’s effects. Ongoing pain and fatigue can prevent a person from engaging in their usual day-to-day activities, such as going to work or seeing friends and family. Impaired lung function may even prevent them from moving without the support of a wheelchair.
The medical impacts of long COVID intertwine with the financial, social, and personal. Lost income can lead to substantial debt. Classes missed due to the illness may mean a reduction in a person’s future earning potential. Feelings of isolation and uncertainty may contribute to the development of depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders.
Treatment and Support
The best way to treat long COVID is to prevent infection in the first place. If you have not already done so, book your vaccine appointment today and make sure your immunizations are up to date.
Even the most stringent safety measures cannot guarantee a person will avoid infection. Though there is no known cure at this time, a combination of medical interventions and personal management have been shown to help those with long COVID in their recovery.
A doctor may conduct a series of tests to help determine whether there are any comorbidities – other conditions the patient may have, which may compound with the impacts of long COVID. Medically managing other conditions can help relieve stress on the body. A patient can also monitor their own symptoms and take care to improve their general health. This may include eating healthy foods, abstaining from drugs and/or alcohol, getting lots of rest, and introducing a gradual increase of exercise as their condition improves.
Recovery can take a long time. A patient may incur medical bills, the costs of physical and psychological therapy, attendant care, and more. To help offset the financial burden, a person with long COVID may be eligible for long term disability benefits through their insurance provider. If your claim has been denied, you may be entitled to appeal your insurer’s decision.
Contact Our Nova Scotia Long Term Disability Lawyers Today
During your free initial consultation with our Nova Scotia long term disability lawyers, we will ask detailed questions to understand the circumstances of your case. From there, we may be able to offer you vital support. Contact us today and learn more.
