Most people who come down with the Coronavirus (COVID-19), and don’t have a life-threatening version of the disease, can make a full recovery within a few weeks. However, some people who contract COVID-19 experience lingering symptoms for weeks or months after the disease is gone.
Because post-COVID-19 symptoms vary so greatly, it’s been hard to study how prevalent the condition is. However, at least a reportable percentage of people experience long-term symptoms. These symptoms can crop up weeks after full recovery and may last for months. This post-COVID syndrome is often referred to as long COVID, and people who experience it are known as “long-haulers.”
While healthy people of all ages can experience long COVID, it is most prevalent in older women. Some symptoms may be more common in individuals who became very ill or were admitted to the hospital. Other symptoms are more common with those who only had a mild version of COVID-19.
Common COVID Long-Hauler Symptoms
According to the Mayo Clinic, some of the most common long COVID symptoms include:
- Chronic fatigue
- Lingering cough
- Shortness of breath
- Joint pain
- Brain Fog
- Heart Palpitations
- Depression and anxiety
- Fever
- Dizziness
Does the Vaccine Help Long COVID?
Some people suffering from long COVID symptoms have stated that the vaccine has given them some relief from their symptoms. However, research has yet to determine whether receiving the COVID-19 vaccine eases post-COVID symptoms.
While these cases are still being studied, it’s known that the COVID-19 vaccine can help prevent the spread of the disease to other people. It can also reduce your chances of developing severe symptoms if you are reinfected with COVID-19 or a variant of the disease.
Is Long COVID a Disability?
In short, the answer is yes. Under the American Disabilities Act, long COVID can qualify as a disability.
A disability is generally defined as a condition that substantially limits at least one major life activity, so under the ADA, long COVID may qualify.
It’s important to remember that how a condition affects your life is generally more important than the named diagnosis. While long COVID may qualify one person for disability benefits, it may not qualify another.
The Law Offices of Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates
The attorneys at Rabin & Associates are the top disability lawyers in Rockford, IL, and they’re experts at helping people win Social Security disability benefits. They understand that no two cases are the same. That’s why they take the time to get to know each client and their case before moving forward.
Let them help you take the stress out of applying for disability benefits. Contact Rabin & Associates today.
