Long COVID may be causing 1.6 million Americans to miss work amid the labor shortage

According to a new report from the Brookings Institute, an estimated 1.6 million Americans could be missing from the workforce due to long COVID.
For weeks, months, or even years after being exposed to the coronaviruses, long haulers can experience disabling symptoms. The economic impact of long COVID is still unknown, but early research indicates that 10 to 30 percent of coronaviruses patients develop it.
According to CDC data, one in seven Americans may have experienced or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. The effects of long COVID on workers and patients were found in two studies.
It's possible that over one million Americans could have been out of work at the same time. Workers who may reduce their hours but not stop working can be included in the missing jobs calculation.
The author points out that the calculations rely on a number of assumptions due to the lack of data.
"If we don't have data from a representative sample that accurately captures the extent of the impacts to the labor force, economists and policymakers are likely not going to consider long Covid an economic issue or recognize it for the mass disabling event it is," said Lisa McCorkell, co
Insider previously reported that those who self report symptoms of long COVID say they are working longer hours and have higher levels of anxiety.
40% of their mental health is worse than 30%. The majority said that they felt more stressed and anxious as a result of their long term condition, compared to those without chronic symptoms.
According to the latest survey from the Office of National Statistics, some people feel like they don't have anyone to talk to about their symptoms.
Is long COVID affecting your ability to work? Email the reporter at htowey@insider.