Addressing the Costs and Care for Long COVID

Long COVID is a post-acute infection syndrome characterised by the persistence of symptoms following a COVID-19 illness. This novel and complex condition has a debilitating and often disabling impact on patients and remains a challenge for healthcare professionals and health systems to adapt to. This report estimates the economic impact of long COVID across OECD countries from both direct healthcare costs and more significantly indirect costs related to reduced productivity and workforce exit. The report summarises national initiatives and priorities for defining, recognising and managing long COVID. The policies required to provide integrated care for long COVID contribute to building resilient and people-centered health systems for any future health threats.