As the number of cases of COVID-19 continues to increase in the Americas, many are at risk of developing post-COVID conditions-PAHO / WHO

Much is not yet known about the effects of this condition, but the health system must be prepared in the long run, says the PAHO director.

Washington, DC June 29, 2022 (PAHO) – Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) as cases of COVID-19 continue to increase in the Americas and new infections have increased by 13.9% since last week. One Carissa F. Etienne prepares their health system to address the long-term effects of post-COVID conditions (commonly known as long COVIDs) that can affect many in the region. ..

It is estimated that 10-20% of people infected with COVID-19 may experience symptoms such as persistent and severe fatigue, shortness of breath, and mental health problems.

In addition, more than 161 million cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the Americas over the past two years, potentially affecting hundreds of thousands of people in the region.

“The pandemic has surprised us many times, and many of its effects will continue for years to come,” the director said during today’s media briefing.

The director emphasized that people in existing conditions are at particular risk of post-COVID conditions, as well as those who smoke, vape, and have not been vaccinated.

“The best way to avoid post-COVID conditions is not to get a COVID,” she said.

Masking and social distance remain important tools, especially in high-infection areas, and vaccines play an important role in avoiding the worst consequences of a pandemic.

Studies show that people infected with COVID-19 after vaccination have milder symptoms and are less likely to develop post-COVID conditions.

“But 224 million people in our area have not yet received a single vaccination,” said the director. “In order to protect the population from the worst consequences of this virus, we need to increase the pace of vaccination.”

The director also called for increased support for patients with post-COVID conditions and the health care system to “recognize and help address this long-term impact of the pandemic.”

To support the country, the World Health Organization (WHO) has identified three “Rs” that can help guide action.

recognition – Given the various symptoms after COVID and the stigma surrounding their condition, countries need to ensure that healthcare professionals are well trained to recognize the symptoms.

Rehabilitation – Managing post-COVID status requires a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach of physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, mental health professionals, nurses and physicians.

research – The state after COVID is not fully understood yet. We need scientists and research institutes that promise to closely track people with symptoms so that we can learn more about this condition.

“This is a real situation and we need to apply strong policies and guidance to deal with it,” said Dr. Etienne.

“It is also important to be aware of the impact of post-COVID conditions on people’s lives and to work with those affected to ensure that their voices are heard.”

Looking at the COVID-19 situation in this region, cases continue to increase in all four subregions, with more than 1.3 million new infections and 4158 deaths reported in each country.

In North America, cases increased by 7.7% overall, cases increased in the United States and Mexico, and decreased in Canada.

In South America, new cases have increased significantly, with approximately 500,000 new COVID-19 infections reported last week. This is an increase of 24.6%.

In the Caribbean, cases have begun to peak in the last two weeks, with countries reporting a 3.2% increase in the past week.

“These numbers are a clear reminder that too many people are still vulnerable,” said Dr. Etienne.

“Accept the means we have today to prevent the worst consequences of COVID and help turn this pandemic page.”