In this review, we provide (1) a synthesis of the state of science on Long COVID; (2) assess the impacts of Long COVID on individuals, health systems, the economy & global health metrics; and (3) provide a forward-looking research & policy roadmaps nature.com/articles/s4159…
We begin with a timeline of the history of #LongCovid. We recognize the prescience of the #MECFS community that warned us about what’s to come, the op-ed by @fi_lowenstein in @NYTimes, the first mainstream media piece by @edyong209 in @TheAtlantic & more nature.com/articles/s4159…
What is Long COVID? It is a complex, multisystem disorder that affects nearly every organ system, including the cardiovascular system, the nervous system, the endocrine system, the immune system, the reproductive system and the gastrointestinal system. nature.com/articles/s4159…
It affects people across the age spectrum (from children to older adults), people of different race and ethnicities, sex and gender, and baseline health status. nature.com/articles/s4159…
How common is Long COVID?
We estimate that the cumulative incidence of Long COVID till the end of 2023 is about 400 million cases – this is a staggeringly high burden. nature.com/articles/s4159…
Mechanisms of Long COVID include viral persistence, immune dysregulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, complement dysregulation, prothrombotic inflammation and microbiome dysbiosis. Details in our review. nature.com/articles/s4159…
We review the impacts of Long COVID on individuals and communities, health systems, economies, and sustainable development goals (SDGs) nature.com/articles/s4159…
Impact on Individuals: Long COVID severely affects patients' well-being and sense of self. It affects the ability to work, socialize, and perform daily activities, often leading to social exclusion, isolation and stigma, often from medical providers. nature.com/articles/s4159…
Impact on Economies: Long COVID affects labor participation and productivity, causing significant financial strain on individuals & economies.
We estimate that the annual global economic toll of Long COVID is around $1 trillion or 1% of the global GDP nature.com/articles/s4159…
This is a significant drag on global economic output and demands the attention of every government on earth.
Addressing Long COVID is not just a health imperative but an economic one.
Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Long COVID threatens progress towards SDGs, affecting poverty, hunger, health, education, and gender equality across the globe. It exacerbates existing inequalities and strains resources. nature.com/articles/s4159…
Research Roadmap: A comprehensive research agenda is needed to understand biological mechanisms, develop diagnostics, and design therapeutic trials. Understanding Long COVID requires a multidisciplinary approach and collaboration across disciplines. nature.com/articles/s4159…
Policy Roadmap: Effective policies should focus on prevention, support for affected individuals, access to quality care, professional education, and public health communication. A coordinated global response is essential to address Long COVID challenges. nature.com/articles/s4159…
In sum, Long COVID is a defining health crisis of our time, with wide-reaching impacts.
Addressing the crisis of Long COVID requires an ambitious and coordinated—but so far absent—global research and policy response strategy.
TLDR: The global cumulative incidence of Long COVID is around 400 million with an annual economic cost of around $1 trillion; it poses significant challenges to individuals, health systems and economies across the globe. nature.com/articles/s4159…
People who were randomly assigned to molnupiravir during the acute phase of COVID-19 had better outcomes at 3 months and 6 months than those randomly assigned to usual care
We review the mechanisms of Long Covid including viral persistence, immune dysfunction, thrombo-inflammation, neuronal inflammation, and microbiome dysbiosis. nature.com/articles/s4159…
We review the devastating impacts of Long Covid on individuals and communities, health systems, economies, and global health metrics.
🧵1/ A Significant surge in the number of people with a disability in the U.S.
The @stlouisfed just released an analysis using data from the Current Population Survey (CPS), revealing some concerning trends. Here’s what they found:
#Disability #DisabilityJustice #LongCovid
2/ Above Trend Increase in Disability
Since 2019, the number of disabled individuals has surged beyond the expected trend by nearly 2 million. This isn't just a statistical anomaly—it's a huge indicator of a deeper, underlying health crisis.
3/ Cognitive Disabilities Skyrocket
Most alarming is the rise in cognitive disabilities. The population reporting only a cognitive disability has grown by nearly 1 million—a 43% increase since 2019.
My Statement on the introduction of the Long COVID Research Moonshot Act #LongCovidMoonshot
I fully support this bill and urge the U.S. Congress and our community to support it.
Short thread:
Today U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders @SenSanders formally introduced the Long COVID Research Moonshot Act. This marks a historic moment, the culmination of relentless effort and dedication from countless individuals. #LongCovidMoonshot
The bill calls for the establishment of a Long Covid program at NIH with research funding of $1 billion per year for 10 years, and additional funding to other federal agencies for clinician education, public awareness, and more. #LongCovidMoonshot