It's kinda cool how covid fucked and continues to fuck everything up and we are not dealing with it at all. I think it was a bad idea to infect everyone in the world with a virus that damages every major organ in our bodies, but trying to mitigate the damage is annoying and expensive so

Along with a baffling rise in post-pandemic mortality rates that has insurers stymied, 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 percent in the last four years, to an all-time high of 38,844,000 at the end of November, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Reasons behind the stunning increase vary, but many seem connected to the COVID-19 pandemic. A sizable number of COVID-19 survivors claim long-term health issues, the so-called Long COVID, which includes symptoms like chronic fatigue, respiratory problems, and neurological impairments. The CDC estimates that 15 million Americans may have Long COVID symptoms as of 2024, with some experiencing debilitating conditions.

The CDC and World Health Organization have recognized Long COVID as a contributing factor to rising disability rates. Moreover, the COVID-19 virus has shown to worsen pre-existing chronic conditions, like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune disorders, also leading to increased disability rates.

Mental health disorders also surge

Along with those ailments is the surging levels of anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders, from pandemic-related isolation, loss of loved ones, financial hardships, and economic uncertainties. Many mental health conditions are classified as disabilities under U.S. law when they significantly impair daily functioning.