Ruth EM Ashton

Abstract Viral and infectious illnesses can exert profound and enduring effects on population health and well-being. In the aftermath of SARS-CoV-2 infection, post-acute sequelae, collectively referred to as Long COVID, have emerged as a major global health challenge, affecting more than 400 million people and contributing to estimated annual economic costs exceeding $1 trillion.

59 Jayasinghe S, Faghy MA, Hills AP. Social justice equity in healthy living medicine - An international perspective. Prog Cardiovasc Dis. Published online April 28, 2022. doi:10.1016/j.pcad.2022.04.008 . Whilst proactive and preventive approaches are most impactful 60 Arena R Faghy M Laddu D A perpetual state of bad dreams: The prevention and management of cardiovascular disease in the COVID-19 pandemic era and beyond. Prog Cardiovasc Dis.

COVID-19 has revealed inequalities in health, wellbeing, and economic status across communities and has exposed vulnerabilities in societal groups. While the pressure of the first peak abates, there is an urgent need to consider the long-term care needs of those affected by COVID-19 to ensure that it does not widen inequality. At the time of writing, the long-term effects on recovering patients remains unknown.