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From Acute Infection to Prolonged Health Consequences: Understanding Health Disparities and Economic Implications in Long COVID Worldwide

Author

Listed:
  • Jaleel Jerry G. Sweis

    (Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
    These authors have contributed equally to this work and share the first authorship.)

  • Fatima Alnaimat

    (Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, School of Medicine, University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
    These authors have contributed equally to this work and share the first authorship.)

  • Valeria Esparza

    (Department of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
    These authors have contributed equally to this work and share second authorship.)

  • Supritha Prasad

    (Department of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
    These authors have contributed equally to this work and share second authorship.)

  • Abeera Azam

    (Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, TX 75701, USA
    These authors have contributed equally to this work and share third authorship.)

  • Zeel Modi

    (Department of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
    These authors have contributed equally to this work and share third authorship.)

  • Mina Al-Awqati

    (Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
    These authors have contributed equally to this work and share fourth authorship.)

  • Pim Jetanalin

    (Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
    These authors have contributed equally to this work and share fourth authorship.)

  • Nadia J. Sweis

    (Department of Business Administration, King Talal School of Business Technology, Princess Sumaya University for Technology, Amman 11942, Jordan)

  • Christian Ascoli

    (Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary Critical Care Sleep and Allergy, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA)

  • Richard M. Novak

    (Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60612, USA)

  • Israel Rubinstein

    (Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary Critical Care Sleep and Allergy, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA)

  • Ilias C. Papanikolaou

    (Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sarcoidosis Clinic, Corfu General Hospital, 49100 Corfu, Greece)

  • Nadera Sweiss

    (Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
    Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan)

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a growing number of patients experiencing persistent symptoms and physiological changes after recovering from acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, known as Long COVID. Long COVID is characterized by recurring symptoms and inflammation across multiple organ systems. Diagnosis can be challenging, influenced by factors like demographics, comorbidities, and immune responses. Long COVID impacts various organ systems and can have neuropsychological effects. Health disparities, particularly related to race, contribute to a higher burden of infection and ongoing symptoms in minority populations. Managing Long COVID entails addressing a spectrum of symptoms that encompass physical, cognitive, and psychological aspects. The recovery period for patients with Long COVID can vary significantly, influenced by factors like the severity of the disease, hospitalization, comorbidities, and age. Currently, there are no universally effective treatments, although certain interventions show promise, necessitating further research. Self-management and rehabilitation programs can provide relief, but more research is needed to establish their effectiveness. Preventive measures such as vaccination and the use of antiviral medications and metformin. It is imperative to conduct further research to develop evidence-based guidelines and gain a better understanding of the long-term implications of COVID-19. Long COVID could have substantial economic impact on the labor market, productivity, healthcare expenditures, and overall economic growth. To address the challenges patients with long-term complications face, there is a focus on strategies like promoting telework and flexible work arrangements to accommodate diverse symptoms, particularly chronic fatigue and other Long COVID effects. In conclusion, this review emphasizes the multifaceted complexity of Long COVID and the ongoing need to address its potential long-term health and economic impacts.

Suggested Citation

  • Jaleel Jerry G. Sweis & Fatima Alnaimat & Valeria Esparza & Supritha Prasad & Abeera Azam & Zeel Modi & Mina Al-Awqati & Pim Jetanalin & Nadia J. Sweis & Christian Ascoli & Richard M. Novak & Israel R, 2024. "From Acute Infection to Prolonged Health Consequences: Understanding Health Disparities and Economic Implications in Long COVID Worldwide," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(3), pages 1-18, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:3:p:325-:d:1354878
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Nadia J. Sweis, 2022. "Revisiting the value of a statistical life: an international approach during COVID-19," Risk Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 24(3), pages 259-272, September.
    2. Jonathan Colmer, 2020. "What is the meaning of (statistical) life? Benefit–cost analysis in the time of COVID-19," Oxford Review of Economic Policy, Oxford University Press and Oxford Review of Economic Policy Limited, vol. 36(Supplemen), pages 56-63.
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