CONCORD, N.H. (WCAX) – Thousands of Granite State residents are believed to still be out of the workforce due to long-COVID.
A new study by the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute found an estimated 4,000 people in the state are still out of work and another 5,300 have reduced their hours because of the illness.
The CDC says long-COVID symptoms can last weeks, months, or years after an initial infection and can include sleep problems, brain fog, shortness of breath, headaches, and digestive problems.
The nonpartisan research group used national methodologies and data in the study but says there are still other factors to consider. “These numbers don’t take into account any lost productivity from those who may have been working when sick. This is particularly notable with low and moderate incomes who may have been unable to afford to take time off work for extended periods of time,” said the institute’s Jessica Williams
Rates of long-COVID in New Hampshire have remained relatively consistent, with 6.5 percent of residents experiencing symptoms in 2024.