Long COVID’s Lingering Impact: Thousands in Los Angeles County Face Chronic Illness and Economic Hardship
Los Angeles County is grappling with a hidden health crisis: the long-term effects of COVID-19. While the acute phase of the pandemic has receded, thousands of residents continue to suffer debilitating symptoms months and even years, after their initial infection. This wave of chronic illness, known as long COVID, is not only impacting physical and mental health but too creating significant economic and social challenges for individuals and the county as a whole. The condition, characterized by a wide range of symptoms, is leaving many unable to function, facing financial instability, and feeling abandoned by a system struggling to understand and address their needs.
The experience of Elle Seibert, a 31-year-old resident of Los Angeles County, exemplifies the struggles faced by many. Seibert, who contracted COVID-19 in July 2022, continues to battle debilitating fatigue and cardiac symptoms. “I would really struggle to make it through a workday,” she explained, noting that even tasks as simple as typing on a computer can be exhausting. This has forced her to shift from traditional employment to consulting and driving for Uber, but even these options are precarious. “I don’t have a partner paying my rent. I don’t have a family couch to sleep on. If I even just get a cold while I’m at work, then I can’t drive for a few days,” she said, highlighting the financial vulnerability faced by those living with long COVID.
Seibert is not alone. Beth Nishida, a former special education administrator, was forced into early retirement due to the effects of long COVID. Her symptoms include extreme exhaustion, brain fog, migraines, and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), a nervous system disorder affecting blood flow. Nishida expressed frustration with the lack of support from Los Angeles County, stating, “If you appear at the LA County website, their own statistics show that in 2023, over 630,000 people in LA County had long COVID,” but feels little has been done to address the needs of those affected. This sentiment underscores a growing concern that the scale of the problem is not being adequately recognized or addressed.
Understanding the Scope of Long COVID
Long COVID, also known as Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), is a complex, chronic condition that can develop after an initial COVID-19 infection. Symptoms can vary widely and affect multiple organ systems, including the cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, and digestive systems. Common symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, cognitive dysfunction (“brain fog”), chest pain, and headaches. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines long COVID as symptoms that continue for four or more weeks after the initial infection. The CDC estimates that between 6% and 10% of people who contract COVID-19 will develop long COVID, though estimates vary.
Dr. Jeffrey Klausner, an infectious disease expert at Keck Medicine of USC’s COVID Recovery Clinic, describes long COVID as an “ignored problem” in Los Angeles County. He explains that the condition impacts not only physical and mental health but also has significant socio-economic consequences. “There’s people that have estimated the cost of long COVID to the county might be as high as $12 billion,” Klausner stated, highlighting the potential economic burden of the illness. The economic impact stems from lost productivity, increased healthcare costs, and the require for social support services.
The Intersection of Disability, Labor, and Housing
The inability to work is a central challenge for many individuals with long COVID. Seibert’s experience underscores this point, as she has had to adapt to precarious gig work to maintain financial stability. “If you lose the ability to work, long COVID becomes a labor issue,” she explained. “Now if you can’t work, how are you going to pay your rent and bills? Then long COVID becomes a housing issue.” This highlights the interconnectedness of health, employment, and housing security for those living with the condition.
Advocates are pushing for greater recognition of long COVID as a disability and for increased support services for those affected. They argue that existing disability benefits programs are often inadequate or inaccessible to individuals with long COVID, due to the novelty of the condition and the difficulty in documenting its long-term effects. The lack of clear diagnostic criteria and standardized treatment protocols further complicates the process of obtaining support.
Advocacy for a County Task Force
Seibert and Nishida, both patients at Keck Medicine of USC’s COVID Recovery Clinic, are actively advocating for the establishment of a Los Angeles County task force dedicated to addressing the challenges of long COVID. They, along with Dr. Klausner, serve on the clinic’s community advisory board and believe a coordinated effort is needed to understand the condition and provide effective support.
Dr. Klausner envisions a task force comprised of experts from various fields, including medicine, public health, social services, and housing. “Let’s get the smartest people in the county together; let’s get the advocates, let’s get the doctors, let’s get people who are therapists, occupational, physical therapists, people who deal with housing and other economic issues, and get them around the table on a regular basis for 12 months,” he said. “And let’s come up with recommendations.” A key goal of the task force would be to establish a hotline to connect individuals with long COVID to available resources.
As of March 17, 2026, the group is awaiting a response from Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Hilda Solis regarding their request to place the issue on the board’s agenda for discussion. NBCLA has reached out to Solis for comment but has not yet received a response. The lack of immediate action has fueled frustration among advocates and patients who feel their needs are being overlooked.
Coping and Finding Purpose Amidst Chronic Illness
While there is currently no cure for long COVID, individuals are finding ways to manage their symptoms and adapt to their recent reality. Seibert and Nishida emphasize the importance of pacing themselves and utilizing occupational and physical therapy. However, they acknowledge that the condition requires significant lifestyle adjustments and ongoing self-management.
Nishida has found solace and purpose in photography, using it as a means of expressing her feelings and connecting with others who are also suffering. “Then I think my life does have purpose, it does have meaning, and it makes a big difference,” she said, highlighting the power of creative expression and community support in coping with chronic illness.
The experience of Seibert and Nishida underscores the urgent need for increased awareness, research, and support for individuals living with long COVID. The condition represents a significant public health challenge that requires a coordinated and compassionate response from healthcare providers, policymakers, and the community as a whole.
Key Takeaways:
- Long COVID continues to affect hundreds of thousands of residents in Los Angeles County, causing chronic illness and economic hardship.
- Symptoms of long COVID are diverse and can impact multiple organ systems, leading to significant disability.
- Advocates are calling for the establishment of a Los Angeles County task force to address the challenges of long COVID and provide support services.
- Individuals with long COVID face significant barriers to accessing disability benefits and maintaining financial stability.
- Finding community and purpose, such as through creative expression, can be crucial for coping with the challenges of chronic illness.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is expected to consider the request for a long COVID task force in the coming weeks. Continued advocacy and public awareness are crucial to ensuring that the needs of those living with this debilitating condition are addressed. Share your experiences and thoughts on this important issue in the comments below.
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