Half of COVID-19 patients report symptoms after 12 weeks

More than half of COVID-19 patients may suffer from “post-COVID syndrome” more than three months after testing positive, according to a new review.

The Public Health Agency of Canada looked at dozens of studies from around the globe.

According to the findings, more than eight in 10 people experienced at least one long-term symptom. Symptoms lingered for four to 12 weeks after initial diagnosis. Over half the patients said that health issues lingered past 12 weeks.

The most common symptoms were fatigue, shortness of breath, pain and trouble sleeping. Other symptoms included anxiety, hair loss and a persistent cough.

More evidence of COVID-19 long haulers

While the study itself suggests that the data may be slightly unreliable due to the flaws of self-reporting and existence of pre-existing conditions, it does confirm a concern that has been flagged throughout the pandemic: people who contract COVID-19 may be plagued by symptoms for a great length of time. We commonly refer to this as “long COVID”. The individuals experiencing these maladies are “COVID-19 long haulers“.

Claiming long-term disability for COVID-19 symptoms

Canadians who had COVID-19 and are still experiencing health complications may find it difficult or impossible to work. When that is that case, they should be able to rely on long-term disability benefits through work or a purchased insurance plan.

Because many of these long COVID symptoms are “invisible illnesses“, insurance companies are denying many legitimate claims for long-term disability. Insurers are telling disabled individuals that their policy doesn’t cover COVID-19 long hauler symptoms. The truth is that if you can’t work due to ongoing COVID-19 symptoms, and you have support from your doctor, your insurer must provide you with compensation.

Disability Lawyer Sivan Tumarkin, co-founding partner at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, spoke to Global News about long-term disability claims for COVID-19 long haulers.

If your claim for long-term disability benefits is denied by the insurance company, call Samfiru Tumarkin LLP immediately at 1-855-821-5900 or contact us online for a free consultation with a disability lawyer.

Get the advice you need, the compensation you deserve.