JOEM: Long COVID and Occupational Medicine Practice (January 2024)-JOEM: Long COVID and Occupational Medicine Practice (January 2024)

JOEM: Long COVID and Occupational Medicine Practice (January 2024)

Pdf Summary

Long COVID, also known as postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection or post-COVID-19 condition, refers to a range of new or ongoing symptoms experienced by some individuals after recovering from COVID-19. These symptoms can affect various organ systems in the body, leading to difficulties in daily life and employment. Common symptoms of long COVID include breathlessness, cognitive impairment, headache, fatigue, dysautonomia, and gastrointestinal symptoms. The prevalence of long COVID varies, with estimates ranging from 5% to 50%. Risk factors for developing long COVID include female sex, older age, smoking, high body mass index, and underlying medical conditions such as diabetes and respiratory diseases. COVID-19 vaccination has been shown to provide some protection against long COVID, although the strength of this protective effect varies.<br /><br />The clinical course of long COVID is highly variable and its chronicity is not well understood. Symptoms can persist for up to 2 years after the initial infection but may decrease over time. Treatment options for long COVID are limited, and current approaches focus on symptom management, rehabilitation, and support. Physical activity may worsen symptoms in many long COVID patients, so caution is necessary when recommending exercise as part of a treatment plan.<br /><br />In terms of employment, long COVID can significantly impact a person's ability to work, with estimates suggesting that it may account for a significant number of unfilled job positions. Occupational medicine physicians play a crucial role in evaluating and supporting workers with long COVID. Strategies for facilitating the return to work include gradual work titration, effective communication between the worker, employer, and physician, remote work arrangements when feasible, and tailored work task prescriptions. Accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act may be applicable to workers with long COVID.<br /><br />In conclusion, long COVID is a complex condition that can have significant implications for individuals' health and workability. Occupational medicine physicians should be knowledgeable about the medical aspects of long COVID, utilize functional measures to prevent long COVID from becoming a disabling condition, and provide practical approaches to assist workers in maintaining employment. Further research is needed to better understand the pathophysiology of long COVID and develop effective treatments.

Keywords

Long COVID

postacute sequelae

symptoms

organ systems

prevalence

risk factors

treatment options

employment

occupational medicine physicians

implications