Nearly 500 million people and counting worldwide have contracted COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic. While some cases were reminiscent of a cold, others have led to hospitalizations and death — and those who survive may have to contend with long-term effects as they try to return to work.
According to a study by the University of Michigan, more than 40% of COVID survivors have long COVID, which could involve anything from fatigue, shortness of breath, insomnia, joint pain and memory difficulties to chronic kidney disease and heart disease. The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation estimates that long COVID will leave 22 million Americans with disabilities.
