As Britain’s eyes remain shut to the devastating impact of long COVID, a silent storm is brewing – one that threatens to ravage lives and livelihoods on an unprecedented scale. With limited access to free booster shots and a healthcare system already stretched thin, the UK risks facing a mass disabling event that could cripple its economy and overwhelm the NHS.
The Lingering Spectre of Long COVID
Long COVID, the chronic condition that haunts those who have cleared the initial infection, continues to perplex researchers and torment sufferers. Estimates suggest that anywhere from 5.5% to 15% of those infected may develop this debilitating syndrome, characterized by a wide array of symptoms that can persist for months or even years.
“Sufferers have had to fight first to have their condition recognized as ‘real’, and second for medical services to provide support and care,” notes a public health expert.
The Economic Toll
The growing ranks of long COVID sufferers are now linked to rising economic inactivity, as many find themselves unable to work or forced to reduce their hours. One study estimated that 22% of people with long COVID were unable to work, while another 45% had to cut back on their hours. The economic ramifications are staggering.
“Acute COVID is a pandemic; long COVID could be a mass disabling event,” warn researchers, highlighting the dire economic consequences that loom on the horizon.
The Promise of Vaccination
Amidst this bleak landscape, a glimmer of hope emerges in the form of vaccination. Recent studies suggest that vaccination strongly reduces the risk of developing long COVID. One study found that the incidence of long-term symptoms decreased from 10.42 cases per 100 people for the unvaccinated to just 3.5 cases per 100 for the vaccinated during the Omicron era.
However, the UK’s approach to booster access remains limited, with free shots restricted to select high-risk groups. This contrasts sharply with countries like the US, Canada, Australia, and France, where boosters are freely available to all. Britain’s reluctance to expand access could prove costly.
Calculating the Cost of Inaction
As winter looms and COVID rates remain high, it’s imperative that policymakers reassess the costs and benefits of offering free or subsidized boosters to the wider population. The calculation must go beyond the immediate expense of procuring and administering the shots, weighing it against the potential savings in terms of reduced long COVID cases, fewer work absences, and decreased strain on the NHS.
“Avoiding the population-level effects of illness is not only good for the individual but also for the NHS and the wider economy,” argues Prof. Devi Sridhar, Chair of Global Public Health at the University of Edinburgh.
The stakes could not be higher. If Britain continues to turn a blind eye to the threat of long COVID, it risks unleashing a wave of chronic illness that could cripple its workforce, overwhelm its healthcare system, and inflict untold suffering on countless lives. The time for action is now – before the storm breaks and the damage becomes irreparable.
