COVID-19 isn’t just a bad memory in the rearview mirror—it’s still very much in the driver’s seat, steering our health and economies into uncharted territory. A recent analysis by Swiss Re, one of the world’s largest reinsurers, highlights a chilling truth: recurrent COVID infections are causing long-term damage to individuals, healthcare systems, and the economy.
And while insurers are crunching the numbers and preparing for the fallout, governments and healthcare systems seem to have adopted the “fingers-in-ears, la-la-la” approach to the crisis. So, what’s really happening, and how can you protect yourself in a world that seems to think we’re all disposable? Let’s break it down with a mix of facts, empathy, and (when possible) a dash of humor.
The Swiss Re Perspective: COVID Is Not “Just a Cold”
Swiss Re’s report reveals why recurrent COVID infections are far from harmless. Here are the key takeaways (spoiler: it’s not great news):
1. Recurrent Infections Can Compound Damage
Think of it like a dodgy repair job on your car—every new dent (infection) piles on damage. Repeat COVID infections can harm organs, weaken the immune system, and increase the risk of chronic illnesses like Long COVID.
If the first COVID infection felt like a sprained ankle, the second might feel like tripping over the same ankle repeatedly while trying to run a marathon. Not ideal.
2. Rising Disability and Mortality Rates
Insurers are seeing a spike in disability claims and early deaths linked to COVID. That’s not just alarming—it’s reshaping how life and health insurance are calculated. (Spoiler: it’s getting pricier.)
Recent data indicates that the number of Americans claiming disabilities has skyrocketed since 2020, adding another puzzling factor that could impact corporate bottom lines. After rising slowly and steadily since the turn of the century and hovering between 25 million and 27 million, the number of disabled among the U.S. population rose nearly 35% in the last four years, to an all-time high of 38,844,000 at the end of November. The trend is quiet similar in the UK and Europe.
3. Healthcare Systems Are Strained
Every additional COVID infection means more patients with complex conditions. Hospitals, already stretched thin, are struggling to keep up.
Imagine an overworked waiter juggling too many orders—now throw a few more plates in the air. That’s our healthcare system trying to cope.
4. Economic Fallout
When more people are sick or unable to work, businesses lose productivity, and economies falter. Insurers see it coming. Governments? Not so much.
Why Governments Are Ignoring the Problem
While Swiss Re and other insurers are preparing for a rocky road ahead, many governments seem to be living in denial. Why?
• Short-Term Thinking: Politicians love quick wins. Admitting COVID is still a problem isn’t exactly a vote-winner.
• Fragmented Data: Unlike insurers, who have centralized access to health data, public health systems are often scrambling to piece together the bigger picture.
• “Return to Normal” Narratives: Governments are reluctant to admit that the “normal” they’ve promised might not exist anymore. (Cue the awkward silence.)
Are We Disposable?
Swiss Re’s data makes one thing painfully clear: individuals, especially those vulnerable to COVID and Long COVID, are being treated as an afterthought.
• Healthcare Systems Are Unprepared: Where are the Long COVID clinics, disability support, or even public health campaigns to reduce exposure?
• Workplaces Lack Safeguards: Remote work options, air filtration standards, and clear policies to reduce workplace transmission are still the exception, not the rule.
• The Invisible Toll: Chronic fatigue, organ damage, and brain fog are under-discussed, leaving many people unsupported and dismissed.
How to Protect Yourself
While we can’t overhaul the healthcare system overnight, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk:
1. Avoid Recurrent Infections
• Wear a high-quality mask (like an N95) in crowded places or poorly ventilated areas.
• Advocate for better air quality in schools, offices, and public spaces.
• Stay on top of vaccinations
2. Monitor Your Health
• Keep an eye on symptoms after a COVID infection—don’t ignore fatigue, breathlessness, or brain fog.
• Use tools like wearable health trackers to monitor things like heart rate and oxygen levels.
After my second infection, I started tracking my heart rate more closely. Turns out, climbing the stairs shouldn’t feel like a full-body workout.
3. Top Up Your Resilience
• Hydrate often, and don’t underestimate the power of electrolytes.
• Take breaks, rest, and don’t push through symptoms. Your body is yelling at you for a reason.
Demanding Change
It’s frustrating when insurers can see what governments won’t: that recurrent infections are reshaping our world. But change can happen when enough people demand it.
• Advocate for Better Policies: Push for Long COVID research, workplace protections, and public health campaigns.
• Share Your Story: Personal experiences can be powerful. Whether it’s on social media or at a local council meeting, let your voice be heard.
Final Thoughts
COVID isn’t over—not for insurers, not for healthcare systems, and definitely not for those living with Long COVID. It’s disheartening to feel disposable in the eyes of policymakers, but by staying informed, protecting ourselves, and pushing for change, we can rewrite this narrative.
Remember: You’re not disposable. You’re resilient, resourceful, and absolutely worth fighting for.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on personal experiences and opinions. It is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for guidance specific to your condition
Long Covid Journey 