Long COVID's Impact on Employment Outcomes in the U.S.

The association between prolonged SARS-CoV-2 symptoms and work outcomes 🔗

While the early effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the United States labor market are well-established, less is known about the long-term impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection and Long COVID on employment. To address this gap, we analyzed self-reported data from a prospective, national cohort study to estimate the effects of SARS-CoV-2 symptoms at three months post-infection on missed workdays and return to work. The analysis included 2,939 adults in the Innovative Support for Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Infections Registry (INSPIRE) study who tested positive for their initial SARS-CoV-2 infection at the time of enrollment, were employed before the pandemic, and completed a baseline and three-month electronic survey. At three months post-infection, 40.8% of participants reported at least one SARS-CoV-2 symptom and 9.6% of participants reported five or more SARS-CoV-2 symptoms. When asked about missed work due to their SARS-CoV-2 infection at three months, 7.2% of participants reported missing ≥10 workdays and 13.9% of participants reported not returning to work since their infection. At three months, participants with ≥5 symptoms had a higher adjusted odds ratio of missing ≥10 workdays (2.96, 95% CI 1.81–4.83) and not returning to work (2.44, 95% CI 1.58–3.76) compared to those with no symptoms. Prolonged SARS-CoV-2 symptoms were common, affecting 4-in-10 participants at three-months post-infection, and were associated with increased odds of work loss, most pronounced among adults with ≥5 symptoms at three months. Despite the end of the federal Public Health Emergency for COVID-19 and efforts to “return to normal”, policymakers must consider the clinical and economic implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on people’s employment status and work absenteeism, particularly as data characterizing the numerous health and well-being impacts of Long COVID continue to emerge. Improved understanding of risk factors for lost work time may guide efforts to support people in returning to work.

Prolonged symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection, commonly referred to as Long COVID, have significant implications for employment outcomes in the United States. A study analyzed data from 2,939 adults who had tested positive for COVID-19 and were employed before the pandemic. At three months post-infection, about 40.8% of participants reported ongoing symptoms, with 7.2% missing 10 or more workdays and 13.9% not returning to work. Those with five or more symptoms had significantly higher odds of work loss. The findings highlight the need for policymakers to address the long-term effects of COVID-19 on workforce participation and absenteeism.

40.8% of participants reported ongoing symptoms three months after infection.
7.2% missed 10 or more workdays due to COVID-19.
13.9% did not return to work after their infection.
Higher symptom counts correlated with greater odds of work loss.

What percentage of participants reported ongoing symptoms at three months post-infection?

Approximately 40.8% of participants reported at least one ongoing symptom three months after their COVID-19 infection.

How many participants missed 10 or more workdays due to COVID-19 symptoms?

7.2% of participants reported missing 10 or more workdays due to their COVID-19 symptoms.

What is the relationship between symptom count and work loss?

Participants with five or more symptoms had significantly higher odds of missing work and not returning to their jobs compared to those with fewer or no symptoms.