A Review Post Covid Impact of Human Health

Abstract

COVID-19 is an infectious respiratory disease that has had a significant impact, resulting in a range of outcomes including recovery, continued health issues, and the loss of life. Among those who have recovered, many experience negative health effects, particularly influenced by demographic factors such as gender and age, as well as physiological and neurological factors like sleep patterns, emotional states, anxiety, and memory [1] The COVID-19 pandemic has infected millions worldwide, leaving a global burden for long- term care of COVID-19 survivors. It is thus imperative to study post-COVID (i.e., short-term) and long-COVID (i.e., long-term) effects, specifically as local and systemic pathophysiological outcomes of other coronavirus-related diseases (such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)) were well-cataloged. We conducted a comprehensive review of adverse post-COVID health outcomes and Potential long-COVID effects. We observed that such adverse outcomes were not localized. Rather, they affected different human systems, including: (i) immune system (e.g., Guillain–Barré syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndromes such as Kawasaki disease), (ii) hematological system (vascular hemostasis, blood coagulation), (iii) pulmonary system (respiratory failure, pulmonary thromboembolism, pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, pulmonary vascular damage, pulmonary fibrosis) The end of the year 2019 was marked by the introduction of a third highly pathogenic coronavirus, after SARS-CoV (2003) and MERS- CoV (2012), in the human population. Which was officially declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11, 2020. Indeed, the pandemic of COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 19) has evolved at an unprecedented rate. On the other hand, we have described the advantages and disadvantages of COVID-19 on the environment including the quality of water, air, waste management, and energy consumption, as well as the impact of this pandemic In addition, we have tried to come up with some solutions to counter the negative repercussions of the pandemic [2].

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, was the most significant public health crisis in over a century. While the world has begun to recover, many individuals continue to suffer from long-term physical, neurological, and psychological effects, collectively referred to as post-COVID trauma or Long COVID. These effects include fatigue, anxiety, depression, memory loss, insomnia, and cognitive impairments. The virus not only affected the respiratory system but also triggered systemic inflammation, damaging multiple organs and contributing to chronic conditions like pulmonary fibrosis.

Aim & Objectives of the Study

The study aimed to assess the long-term physical, mental, and social effects of COVID-19. Key objectives included:

• Evaluating physical and mental health post-COVID.

• Assessing social behavior changes (e.g., due to lockdowns).

• Studying economic impacts on households.

• Investigating psychological effects of isolation and trauma.

• Identifying coping strategies.

• Offering policy recommendations for future pandemics.

Methodology

• Design: Descriptive and analytical.

• Population: Individuals aged 18+, recovered from COVID-19 (1–6 months post-infection).

• Tools: Structured questionnaires covering demographics, symptoms, mental health, and lifestyle changes.

• Sampling: Random or convenience sampling.

• Analysis: Data processed via Excel/SPSS, using graphs and percentages.

• Ethics: Informed consent was obtained.

Key Findings

A. Physical Health

• 62% reported fatigue/weakness months after recovery.

• 30% had breathing issues or reduced stamina.

• 12% suffered from long-term symptoms like joint pain, hair loss, or chest pain.

B. Mental Health

• 45% experienced anxiety or stress.

• 28% reported depression symptoms; many sought counseling.

• Social isolation and disruption of routine worsened mental health.

C. Lifestyle Changes

• 55% became more health-conscious.

• 40% began exercising or meditating.

• 33% reported increased screen time, causing eye strain and poor sleep.

D. Vaccination and Preventive Behavior

• 87% were vaccinated; they experienced milder and shorter post-COVID symptoms.

• 70% continued using masks and sanitizers post-recovery.

Discussion & Insights

• Long-Term Effects: Persistent health issues, known as “Long COVID,” are common and align with global health reports (WHO, CDC).

• Mental Health Crisis: Anxiety, depression, and loneliness are widespread, especially in those who experienced isolation or grief.

• Positive Outcomes: Increased awareness of health, fitness, and self-care practices may lead to long-term public health benefits.

• Vaccination Role: Immunization not only prevents infection but also reduces the severity of post-COVID symptoms.

Conclusion

The post-COVID impact on human health has been profound and multifaceted, affecting both physical and mental well-being in various ways.Long-term Effects of COVID-19 Many individuals who contracted COVID-19 continue to experience lingering symptoms, often referred to as \"long COVID.\" These symptoms can include fatigue, shortness of breath, joint pain, and cognitive difficulties. The long-term effects of the virus are still being studied, and understanding the full scope is an ongoing challenge. The pandemic disrupted routine healthcare services, leading to delays in treatments, diagnostics, and elective procedures. These delays may have worsened certain health conditions, contributing to poorer health outcomes for many individuals. The stress and physical toll of COVID19, along with changes in lifestyle during lockdowns (e.g., sedentary behavior, poor diet), have contributed to an increase in chronic health conditions like obesity, diabetes, and hypertension the pandemic has caused a significant rise in mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The uncertainty, isolation, and grief experienced during lockdowns and due to the loss of loved ones have had lasting effects. The overall conclusion of COVID-19 as a disease is that it was a highly contagious and severe respiratory illness that had a profound impact on global health caused millions of deaths worldwide, with severe cases leading to respiratory failure, organ damage, and long- term complications, particularly in older adults and those with preexisting conditions. The virus evolved into multiple variants (e.g., Delta, Omicron), some of which were more transmissible or resistant to immunity, making long-term control challenging. Vaccines played a crucial role in reducing severe illness and deaths, but waning immunity and new variants required booster doses and ongoing research.

References

[1] World Health Organization. A clinical case definition of post COVID-19 condition by a Delphi consensus, 6 October 2021. InA clinical case definition of post COVID-19 condition by a Delphi consensus, 6 October 2021 2021 [2] Pizarro-Pennarolli C, Sánchez-Rojas C, Torres-Castro R, Vera-Uribe R, Sanchez-Ramirez DC, Vasconcello-Castillo L, Solís-Navarro L, Rivera-Lillo G. Assessment of activities of daily living in patients post COVID-19: a systematic review. PeerJ. 2021 Apr 6;9:e11026. [3] COVID W. Coronavirus Pandemic Retrieved from https://www. worldometers. info/coronavirus. Accessed May. 19;1(2020):2020 [4] Ziauddeen N, Gurdasani D, O’Hara ME, Hastie C, Roderick P, Yao G, Alwan NA. Characteristics and impact of Long Covid: Findings from an online survey. PloS one. 2022 Mar 8;17(3):e0264331. [5] Fernández-de-Las-Peñas C, Palacios-Cena D, Gomez-Mayordomo V, Palacios-Cena M, Rodriguez-Jimenez J, de-la-Llave-Rincón AI, Velasco-Arribas M, Fuensalida-Novo S, Ambite- Quesada S, Guijarro C, Cuadrado ML. Fatigue and dyspnoea as main persistent post-COVID-19 symptoms in previously hospitalized patients: related functional limitations and disability. Respiration. 2022 Sep 21;101(2):132-41. [6] Lau B, Wentz E, Ni Z, Yenokyan K, Vergara C, Mehta SH, Duggal P. Physical health and mental fatigue disability associated with long COVID: baseline results from a US nationwide cohort. The American journal of medicine. 2023 Sep 9. [7] Fernández-de-Las-Peñas C, Martín-Guerrero JD, Navarro-Pardo E, Rodríguez-Jiménez J, Pellicer-Valero OJ. Post-COVID functional limitations on daily living activities are associated with symptoms experienced at the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection and internal care unit admission: A multicenter study. Journal of Infection. 2022 Feb 1;84(2):248-88. [8] Sivan M, Parkin A, Makower S, Greenwood DC. Post COVID syndrome symptoms, functional disability, and clinical severity phenotypes in hospitalized and nonhospitalized individuals: A cross sectional evaluation from a community COVID rehabilitation service. Journal of medical virology. 2022 Apr;94(4):1419-27. [9] Pizarro-Pennarolli C, Sánchez-Rojas C, Torres-Castro R, Vera-Uribe R, Sanchez-Ramirez DC, Vasconcello-Castillo L, Solís-Navarro L, Rivera-Lillo G. Assessment of activities of daily living in patients post COVID-19: a systematic review. PeerJ. 2021 Apr 6;9:e11026. [10] Ziauddeen N, Gurdasani D, O’Hara ME, Hastie C, Roderick P, Yao G, Alwan NA. Characteristics and impact of Long Covid: Findings from an online survey. PloS one. 2022 Mar 8;17(3):e0264331. 11. Fernández-de-Las-Peñas C, Palacios-Cena D, Gomez-Mayordomo V, Palacios-Cena M, Rodriguez-Jimenez J, de-la-Llave-Rincón AI, Velasco-Arribas M, Fuensalida-Novo S, Ambite- [11] Quesada S, Guijarro C, Cuadrado ML. Fatigue and dyspnoea as main persistent post-COVID-19 symptoms in previously hospitalized patients: related functional limitations and disability. Respiration. 2022 Sep 21;101(2):132-41. [12] Belli S, Balbi B, Prince I, Cattaneo D, Masocco F, Zaccaria S, Bertalli L, Cattini F, Lomazzo A, Dal Negro F, Giardini M. Low physical functioning and impaired performance of activities of daily life in COVID-19 patients who survived the hospitalisation. European Respiratory Journal. 2020 Aug [13] Nielsen TB, Leth S, Pedersen M, Harbo HD, Nielsen CV, Laursen CH, Schiøttz-Christensen B, Oestergaard LG. Mental fatigue, activities of daily living, sick leave and functional status among patients with long COVID: a cross-sectional study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2022 Nov 9;19(22):14739. [14] Pant P, Joshi A, Basnet B, Shrestha BM, Bista NR, Bam N. Prevalence of functional limitation in COVID-19 recovered patients using the post COVID-19 functional status scale. JNMA: Journal of the Nepal Medical Association. 2021 Jan 31;59(233):7. [15] Sathyamurthy P, Madhavan S, Pandurangan V. Prevalence, pattern and functional outcome of post COVID-19 syndrome in older adults. Cureus. 2021 Aug 15 ;13(8). [16] Lemhöfer C, Sturm C, Loudovici-Krug D, Best N, Gutenbrunner C. The impact of Post-COVID- Syndrome on functioning–results from a community survey in patients after mild and moderate SARS-CoV-2-infections in Germany. Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology. 2021 Dec;16:1-9. [17] Katz S. Assessing self-maintenance: activities of daily living, mobility, and instrumental activities of daily living. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 1983 Dec 1;31(12):721-7. [18] Xie Y, Xu E, Bowe B, Al-Aly Z. Long-term cardiovascular outcomes of COVID-19. Nature medicine. 2022 Mar;28(3):583-90. [19] Wang W, Wang CY, Wang SI, Wei JC. Long-term cardiovascular outcomes in COVID-19 survivors among non-vaccinated population: a retrospective cohort study from the TriNetX US collaborative networks. EClinicalMedicine. 2022 Nov 1;53. [20] Mizrahi B, Sudry T, Flaks-Manov N, Yehezkelli Y, Kalkstein N, Akiva P, Ekka-Zohar A, David SS, Lerner U, Bivas-Benita M, Greenfeld S. Long covid outcomes at one year after mild SARS-CoV-2 infection: nationwide cohort study. bmj. 2023 Jan 11;380. [21] Wiemken TL, McGrath LJ, Andersen KM, Khan F, Malhotra D, Alfred T, Nguyen JL, Puzniak L, Thoburn E, Jodar L, McLaughlin JM. Coronavirus disease 2019 severity and risk of subsequent cardiovascular events. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 2023 Feb 1;76(3):e42-50. [22] Whittaker HR, Gulea C, Koteci A, Kallis C, Morgan AD, Iwundu C, Weeks M, Gupta R, Quint JK. GP consultation rates for sequelae after acute covid-19 in patients managed in the community or hospital in the UK: population based study. bmj. 2021 Dec 29;375. [23] Skyrud KD, Hernæs KH, Telle KE, Magnusson K. Impacts of mild COVID-19 on elevated use of primary and specialist health care services: A nationwide register study from Norway. PLoS One. 2021 Oct 8;16(10):e0257926. [24] Kaur N, Gupta I, Singh H, Karia R, Ashraf A, Habib A, Patel UK, Malik P. Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of 6635 COVID-19 patients: a pooled analysis. SN comprehensive clinical medicine. 2020 Aug;2:1048-52. [25] Sun LL, Wang J, Wang YS, Pan X, Luo J, Liu H, Jiang YR, Zhuang X, Lin L, Li GC, Zhao JW. 15- Month health outcomes and the related risk factors of hospitalized COVID-19 patients from onset: a cohort study. Frontiers in Medicine. 2022 May 11;9:854788. [26] Amenta EM, Spallone A, Rodriguez-Barradas MC, El Sahly HM, Atmar RL, Kulkarni PA. Postacute COVID-19: an overview and approach to classification. InOpen forum infectious diseases 2020 Dec (Vol. 7, No. 12, p. ofaa509). US: Oxford University Press. [27] Taboada M, Moreno E, Cariñena A, Rey T, Pita-Romero R, Leal S, Sanduende Y, Rodríguez A, Nieto C, Vilas E, Ochoa M. Quality of life, functional status, and persistent symptoms after intensive care of COVID-19 patients. British journal of anaesthesia. 2021 Mar 1;126(3):e110-3. [28] Goldowitz I, Worku T, Brown L, Fineberg HV, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Defining Long COVID. InA Long COVID Definition: A Chronic, Systemic Disease State with Profound Consequences 2024 Jul 9. National Academies Press (US). [29] US Census Bureau. Household Pulse Survey: measuring social and economic impacts during the coronavirus pandemic. [30] Comelli A, Viero G, Bettini G, Nobili A, Tettamanti M, Galbussera AA, Muscatello A, Mantero M, Canetta C, Martinelli Boneschi F, Arighi A. Patient-reported symptoms and sequelae 12 months after COVID-19 in hospitalized adults: a multicenter long-term follow-up study. Frontiers in Medicine. 2022 Mar 22;9:834354. [31] Patterson B, Ruppenkamp J, Richards F, Debnath R, El Khoury AC, DeMartino JK, Bookhart B, Holy C, Coplan P. EE211 Cost of Long COVID Following Severe Disease-a US Healthcare Database Analysis. Value in Health. 2022 Jun 25;25(7):S375. [32] Jiang DH, McCoy RG. Planning for the post-COVID syndrome: how payers can mitigate long-term complications of the pandemic. Journal of general internal medicine. 2020 Oct;35:3036-9. [33] Décary S, Dugas M, Stefan T, Langlois L, Skidmore B, Bhéreur A, LeBlanc A, Alberta Health Services, Hastings S, Manns B, Saxinger L. Care models for long COVID: a rapid systematic review. medRxiv. 2021 Nov 19:2021-11.

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Ms. Deepali D. Wagh, Mr. Ashish Dnyaneshwar Patil . This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.