Health Experts Discuss Long-Haul Effects of Contracting COVID-19

Translator

We also heard from Doctor Marcos Espinal, the Assistant Director at PAHO. He responded to a question about the long-term effects of contracting COVID-19 and whether those long-haul COVID-19 symptoms will present a greater health crisis in the future than the pandemic. Here is how he responded.

Translator for Dr. Marcos Espinal

“Long Haul COVID-19 has different names applied to it, but basically these are symptoms that occur after a month or even after three months, and persist. Symptoms such as fatigue but could end up being pulmonary neurological problems and research in this area still very generic. But what we have observed is that fatigue is a factor, but also mental health problems. I wouldn’t venture to say yet that this is going to be a bigger problem than the pandemic itself, because the pandemic has not ended yet. WE are still reporting thousands of cases globally. So, what is important is to first end the pandemic. The research will continue but the key to the long haul COVID is to continue vaccinating people, not just with one dose but with the various recommended doses and what we call boosters as well, because that is what will prevent the post COVID syndromes or long haul events. Majority of studies suggest that ten to twenty percent of patients who have COVID could end up developing the post COVID, long haul syndrome. It has also been confirmed that if we do not vaccinate ourselves the risk is much greater to end up with the post COVID syndrome.”