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

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 Rubinstein, Ilias C. Papanikolaou and Nadera Sweiss
Additional contact information
Jaleel Jerry G. Sweis: Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
Fatima Alnaimat: Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, School of Medicine, University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
Valeria Esparza: Department of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
Supritha Prasad: Department of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
Abeera Azam: Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, TX 75701, USA
Zeel Modi: Department of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
Mina Al-Awqati: Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
Pim Jetanalin: Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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

IJERPH, 2024, vol. 21, issue 3, 1-18

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.

Keywords: long COVID-19; fatigue; health disparities; economics (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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