The consequences of the pandemic continue to affect mortality rates in 34 wealthy countries, according to a new Bloomberg study. This research challenges the previously held hypothesis that COVID-19 primarily took the lives of those who were close to death.
The study conducted by the University of Hong Kong showed that the "mortality displacement" theory lacks sufficient grounds. In fact, cases of accelerated death were rare and accounted for only a small portion of the total losses. The overall number of deaths from COVID-19 remains high.
The long-term consequences of COVID-19 are becoming increasingly evident. There is growing evidence that the coronavirus may increase health risks for months and even years after recovery, including cases of mild illness.
According to a British NEJM study, individuals who experienced mild COVID-19 show cognitive impairments equivalent to a three-point drop in IQ. For those suffering from lingering symptoms, the IQ drop can reach nine points, while patients who were treated in intensive care experienced even more significant impairments.
Clinical epidemiologist Ziyad Al-Ali estimated that COVID-19 could have increased the number of American adults with an IQ below 70 from 4.7 million to 7.5 million, adding 2.8 million people with severe cognitive impairments who need social support.
Additionally, a study from the University of Southern California showed that COVID-19 increases the long-term risk of serious cardiovascular diseases, especially among those who were hospitalized. The economic losses from the pandemic are estimated at one trillion dollars per year, with the average cost per patient in the U.S. being $9,000, leading to annual earnings losses of around $170 billion.
In light of this data, the importance of federal vaccination policy becomes critically significant. According to the CDC, by the 2025–2026 period, only 17% of adult Americans had received the updated COVID vaccine.
