Musculoskeletal, Pulmonary, and Cardiovascular COVID-19 Sequelae in the Context of Firefighter Occupational Health: A Narrative Review

Elliot L. Graham, Susanne D’Isabel, Adriana Lofrano-Porto and Denise L. Smith ()
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Elliot L. Graham: Integrative Cardiovascular Physiology Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USA
Susanne D’Isabel: First Responder Health and Safety Laboratory, Department of Health and Human Physiological Sciences, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, USA
Adriana Lofrano-Porto: Molecular Pharmacology Laboratory, Health Sciences School, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70910-900, DF, Brazil
Denise L. Smith: First Responder Health and Safety Laboratory, Department of Health and Human Physiological Sciences, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, USA

IJERPH, 2024, vol. 21, issue 10, 1-17

Abstract: For most individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2, the acute illness resolves completely. However, for millions of people, symptoms or sequelae from COVID-19 recur or persist for months to years after infection. Post-COVID-19 sequelae are wide-ranging, often affecting the musculoskeletal, pulmonary, and cardiovascular systems. All who experience post-COVID-19 sequelae face significant challenges navigating home and work life. Occupations such as firefighting, however, are of particular concern given the strenuous nature of a job that relies on a healthy musculoskeletal, pulmonary, and cardiovascular system. Research has documented significant musculoskeletal impairment (including muscle weakness, pain, and fatigue), respiratory dysfunction (including reduced lung function, interstitial disease, and diffusion abnormalities), cardiovascular conditions (including cardiac events, ischemic disease, dysrhythmias, and infectious diseases), and diminished cardiorespiratory fitness that continues for months to years in some individuals. These persistent post-COVID-19 conditions may affect a firefighter’s ability to return to work, function at full capacity while at work, and potentially compromise firefighter health and public safety. This review, therefore, explores musculoskeletal, pulmonary, and cardiovascular sequelae post-COVID-19 and the impact of these sequelae on firefighter health and occupational readiness.

Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; post-COVID-19 sequelae; long COVID; post COVID conditions; firefighting; fire service; emergency medical services; return to work; occupational readiness; cardiorespiratory fitness (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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