By Jamie Su
While the world has seemingly moved on from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the long-term health effects beyond the acute phase of the illness are often disregarded. Many individuals have recovered from the virus without severe complications, but a significant population still experiences lingering health issues that persist long after the initial infection. It is important to have an understanding of these post-COVID-19 health effects and their implications for individuals, healthcare systems, and society at large.
Long COVID
Long-term effects from a COVID-19 infection are referred to as Long COVID or Post-COVID Conditions (PCC). While Long COVID is more prone to occur in people who have had severe COVID-19 or were not vaccinated at the time of infection, anyone previously infected with COVID-19 can be affected by it.
People who experience Long COVID have symptoms regarding respiratory health, including shortness of breath, chest pain, and heart palpitations. They may also develop neurological symptoms such as brain fog, headaches and dizziness, difficulty sleeping, depression, and anxiety. Other symptoms include diarrhea and stomach pain, muscle pain, and changes in menstrual cycles. As Long COVID is not one single illness, individuals with Long COVID are often misunderstood by healthcare providers and need to receive a proper diagnosis or sufficient treatment. The CDC is still working to understand more about groups that experience Long COVID and determine whether certain groups are disproportionately affected by it.
Healthcare Systems
The rising demand for Long COVID treatment places a strain on the healthcare system. Long COVID is associated with a diverse range of symptoms and encompasses various medical areas. Related medical specialties can include cardiology, psychiatry, and neurology. It may be difficult for patients to receive comprehensive care that incorporates every aspect of their treatment plan efficiently.
Societal Ramifications
Long COVID imposes additional healthcare expenses on individuals. Ongoing long-term medical treatment contributes to the economic burden of healthcare costs. Individuals with Long COVID may also have to handle lost income as well. This greatly places them at risk of social and financial hardship.
Vulnerable populations, such as low-income individuals, minorities, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions may also be disproportionately affected by the social and economic ramifications of having Long COVID.
Conclusion
While the global COVID-19 pandemic has become a thing of the past, it is clear that this virus will leave a legacy that is felt for years to come. By understanding the implications of Long COVID, we can better support affected individuals by raising awareness for Long COVID, strengthening our healthcare systems by giving it the support necessary and working to mitigate the long-lasting impact of this virus.
References
(n.d.). Long COVID or Post-COVID Conditions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/long-term-effects/index.html
(n.d.). Long COVID. National Institutes of Health.
https://covid19.nih.gov/covid-19-topics/long-covid
(2023). COVID-19: Long-term effects. Mayo Clinic.
Edited by Lamisa Chowdhury
Astra Stem 
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