A recent study by Washington University in St. Louis, published in the journal Nature, has revealed that nearly 400 million people worldwide have suffered from long-term COVID-19. The research, released on August 9, shows that 6% of adults and approximately 1% of children have experienced this syndrome since the start of the pandemic.
Long-term COVID-19, defined as the persistence of symptoms for four weeks or more after an initial infection, severely impacts patients’ quality of life. “This condition impacts the well-being and sense of self of those affected, limiting their ability to work, socialize, manage household tasks, and participate in community activities,” the study explains.
Impact on Health and Daily Life
The report highlights that some manifestations of long COVID, such as heart disease, diabetes and dysautonomia, can develop into long-term chronic conditions. Although the Omicron variant and vaccination have reduced the incidence of new cases in 2022 and 2023, the researchers suggest that the actual number of those affected could be higher. This is because the research did not include people who were infected more than once.
It is estimated that only 7% to 10% of people with COVID-19 have fully recovered two years after infection. The causes of long COVID are still uncertain, although theories about viral persistence, immune system dysregulation, inflammation, and microbiome imbalance are being explored.
Economic Repercussions
The study also addresses the economic impact of long COVID. In 2022, between two and four million adults were unemployed due to the condition. Patients with long COVID-19 face a higher likelihood of unemployment and a reduction in their working hours. One in four limit their activities outside of work. As a result, the global economic cost of long COVID is estimated at around $1 trillion per year, representing 1% of the global economy.
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