For many people who suffer from a COVID-19 infection, the disease alone can be difficult enough to deal with. However, many people infected by this disease have found themselves dealing with “Long COVID,” a set of symptoms that can persist for months or years afterwards. Here are seven ways a COVID infection may result in a long-term disability:
- Exhaustion or fatigue
- One common problem that many people with Long COVID have been forced to deal with is exhaustion or fatigue. This may be a persistent condition, or it may become more apparent when engaged in intense physical or mental activity.
- Chronic pain
- Many people who had a coronavirus infection may be left with chronic pain, including headaches, joint pain, and muscle pain. If these are severe enough, it can even impair a person’s ability to perform normal tasks or hold down a job.
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- One of the most common symptoms of people suffering from COVID is shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, often accompanied by a cough. Even once the initial infection has passed, though, some people are left with respiratory problems that can last for months or years later.
- Chest pain or heart palpitations
- Additionally, some people experience heart palpitations or chest pain as a result of COVID. This may get worse if someone engages in significant physical exertion, limiting a person’s ability to perform intensive physical tasks, whether for their personal life or their job.
- Brain fog
- An often underestimated symptom of COVID is the so-called “brain fog,” an increased difficulty in thinking or concentrating. This can interfere in a wide variety of tasks, including many mentally intensive jobs that may require the ability to focus for long periods of time.
- Depression or anxiety
- The psychological aspects of COVID should not be underestimated. Not only can it cause significant neurological issues that may manifest as depression or anxiety, the physical difficulties associated with Long COVID may also result in severe psychological issues that may be disabling.
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Many people with COVID suffer gastrointestinal problems, instead of (or in addition to) the more conventional respiratory or neurological symptoms. These people may suffer from chronic diarrhea, cramps, or stomach pains, a problem that can plague them long after the infection passes.
If you or a loved one need assistance applying for SSDI or SSI benefits, it is important that you seek the guidance of an experienced Social Security Disability benefits lawyer. The lawyers at Sullivan & Kehoe, LLP have over 50 years of combined experience between its attorneys and are available to you or your loved one in obtaining Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income benefits. To schedule a consultation with our New York Social Security Disability benefits lawyers, call (631) 823-7155.
