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Persistent Health Complications from Covid-19 and ME/CFS: The lasting impact of the pandemic on patients' wallets

Long-Term Effects of Covid-19 and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: The Hefty Price Tag of the Pandemic's Aftermath

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6 min read
Multiple individuals suffering from Long Covid or ME/CFS experience extreme fatigue following...
Multiple individuals suffering from Long Covid or ME/CFS experience extreme fatigue following simple chores and daily tasks.

Crippling the Economy: Long Covid and ME/CFS - The Persistent Burden of the Pandemic

The Enduring Impact of Long Covid and ME/CFS Post-Pandemic: A Price to Pay for Survival - Persistent Health Complications from Covid-19 and ME/CFS: The lasting impact of the pandemic on patients' wallets

Written by Nicole Simon

Duration: Approx. 3 minutes

Get ready to dive into the hidden costs of Long Covid and ME/CFS, conditions that have silently saddled countless individuals, society, and the economy with a weighty bill as heavy as 63 billion euros in Germany alone, making up around 1.5% of the country's GDP in 2024.

A Galaxy Far Beyond Covid-19

That's right, Long Covid and ME/CFS are drawing attention to their astronomical impact long after most people have returned to their daily routines. Researchers from the ME/CFS Research Foundation and Risklayer GmbH have ventured where many haven't before, calculating for the first time the long-term financial ramifications of these once-overlooked conditions. When adding the years 2020-2024, the analysts estimate total costs of around 254 billion euros. For context, the total annual health expenditure in Germany in 2024 was 538 billion euros.

Lingering Shadows

Long Covid is a term used for symptoms persisting four weeks after a COVID-19 infection or newly occurring since then. Health problems that linger for more than three months are called Post Covid. In informal lingo, all lingering symptoms after a COVID-19 infection unexplained by medical science are now lumped under the Long Covid umbrella. ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) has been recognized by the WHO since 1969 but remains an understudied enigma in the medical world. Sufferers experience a severe worsening of their symptoms even with minimal physical or mental exertion (PEM).

But what are we talking about when we refer to the costs of a disease? Explains Jörg Heydecke, managing director of the ME/CFS Research Foundation and co-author of the study, "It's not just about medical expenses for investigations or medications, but also about lost work capacity and the money that can't be spent because the income is now missing. Costs also arise when those affected have to deal with health insurance companies or insurers, reports are written, or pension claims are checked."

Although the Corona pandemic has been deemed over, these numbers are unlikely to change anytime soon. The modelers predict the financial burdens will persist or even increase in the coming years, thanks to the ongoing appearance of new cases and the transition of the pandemic to an endemic.

Drops in the Ocean

Researchers estimate that currently over 1.52 million people in Germany may be struggling with Long Covid or ME/CFS. Even though estimates indicate a decrease in active Long Covid cases since 2022, ME/CFS cases continue to rise, with a possible increase of approximately 34,000 by 2028.

A Glimmer of Hope

Up until now, the lack of patient and cost data has left a deafening silence in the discussion. However, Heydecke aims to shatter that silence with these numbers: "We want to provide a voice for these silent victims." The ME/CFS Research Foundation and Risklayer, in honor of the international ME/CFS day, call for a much-needed debate: How can our healthcare system and governments adequately address the increasing magnitude of post-infectious diseases?

Unmasking the Beast

While the costs of both Long Covid and ME/CFS reach staggering heights, they are currently met with only around 15 to 20 million euros in annual public funding for diagnostic and therapeutic research. "This is neither medically nor economically justifiable," says Heydecke. The insidious nature of these conditions leaves many society-wide victims without a clear diagnosis, leading to the majority of patients being invisible to the public eye. In fact, around 75% of ME/CFS patients can no longer work, and about 25% are bedridden–many succumbing to a deep, desperate longing for death.

Truth in Numbers

In recent research studies, active Long Covid patients have a 3.5% chance of developing ME/CFS within the first year, and those who have still not recovered after a year see their chances surge to around 20%. Before the pandemic, there were an estimated 350,000 ME/CFS cases. Now, researchers estimate over 650,000 cases.

In the face of these staggering numbers, Germany is far from the only country grappling with the immense medical and social challenges of Long Covid and ME/CFS. As Heydecke puts it, "Germany is just a single drop in the ocean compared to the global crisis."

Sources

  • Long Covid
  • Fatigue Syndrome
  • Pandemic
  • Germany
  • Coronavirus
  1. The community policy should address the long-term financial implications of Long Covid and ME/CFS.
  2. These conditions, such as health and safety at work, are silently impacting countless individuals, society, and the economy.
  3. Health and safety at work is essential to minimize the economic burden caused by Long Covid and ME/CFS.
  4. Science has increasingly focused on understanding the consequences of chronic diseases like Long Covid and ME/CFS.
  5. Workplace-wellness programs can play a crucial role in addressing the challenges posed by medical conditions like Long Covid and ME/CFS.
  6. The impact of Long Covid and ME/CFS on chronic kidney disease, type-2 diabetes, cancer, respiratory conditions, digestive health, eye-health, hearing, and skin-conditions is yet to be fully understood.
  7. Health and safety at work must not overlook the needs of individuals suffering from neurological disorders like migraine, cardiovascular health, and autoimmune disorders.
  8. The financial burden of Long Covid and ME/CFS affects not only the individual but also the industry, medicare, and private equity.
  9. The science behind therapies and treatments for Long Covid and ME/CFS is progressing, offering hope for the future.
  10. Fitness and exercise can help manage the symptoms of Long Covid and ME/CFS, improving overall health and wellness.
  11. The costs of Long Covid and ME/CFS are not limited to medical expenses; they also include lost work capacity and lost income.
  12. Researchers predict that the financial burden from Long Covid and ME/CFS will persist or even increase in the coming years due to the ongoing appearance of new cases.
  13. The number of Long Covid and ME/CFS cases in Germany is estimated to be over 1.52 million, with around 75% of ME/CFS patients unable to work and about 25% being bedridden.
  14. The science of fitness and exercise is vital for the development of effective Long Covid and ME/CFS treatment strategies.
  15. Advances in medical science, along with innovative business models in healthcare, can help address the increasing magnitude of post-infectious diseases like Long Covid and ME/CFS.
  16. The financial burden of Long Covid and ME/CFS is not just a problem for individual countries; it is a global crisis.
  17. CBD and other alternative treatments may provide some relief for individuals suffering from chronic diseases like Long Covid and ME/CFS.
  18. In the ever-evolving world of technology, wearables like smartphones and smartwatches can help us better understand and manage chronic conditions like Long Covid and ME/CFS.
  19. The housing market, venture capital, personal finance, and banking and insurance sectors must consider the economic impact of Long Covid and ME/CFS in their strategies and investments.
  20. Energy-efficient technology can contribute to overall health and wellness by creating a comfortable and safe living and working environment for individuals with Long Covid and ME/CFS.
  21. Small businesses must understand the economic implications of Long Covid and ME/CFS when designing their health and safety policies and budgets.
  22. The retail industry must adapt to the changing needs of consumers with chronic conditions like Long Covid and ME/CFS, offering accessible, comfortable, and safe shopping experiences.
  23. Entrepreneurship and innovation are key to developing effective solutions for managing and treating chronic conditions like Long Covid and ME/CFS.
  24. Transportation systems must prioritize the health and safety of individuals with medical conditions like Long Covid and ME/CFS, ensuring safe and comfortable travel.
  25. Leadership in healthcare, government, and industry must take a proactive approach to addressing the challenges posed by Long Covid and ME/CFS.
  26. Diversity and inclusion in the workplace is essential for understanding and addressing the unique needs of individuals with chronic conditions like Long Covid and ME/CFS.
  27. Investing in research and development of new therapies and treatments for Long Covid and ME/CFS can have far-reaching benefits for the economy and society.
  28. In conclusion, Long Covid and ME/CFS have made it abundantly clear that health and safety at work, health care, and the broader economy are closely intertwined, requiring a holistic approach and collaboration among various sectors to address the challenges presented by these hidden pandemics.

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