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MIT Technology Review

Only Beginning to Examine the Racial Disparities with Long-Covid

September 20, 2022

[Image Source: Hannah Buckman via MIT Technology Review]

Cited article by Elaine Shelly, MIT Technology Review


HRRC highlights the need for ongoing interdisciplinary research into the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Research presented thus far demonstrates the significant racial disparity in which the pandemic has affected the United States, but more research and action still needs to take place.


Article Summary


Early research indicates a significant racial disparity for those affected by long-Covid-19, and who are affected by exposure to Covid throughout the pandemic. Information provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicated that Black Americans in the U.S. are twice as likely than White Americans to be hospitalized for Covid, as well as nearly twice as likely to die from it. In a previous study it was found that black women were three times as likely to die from Covid. Existing studies report those in minority groups are more likely to be affected by Covid, both through higher rates of death and higher infection rates.


Long-Covid cases present particular challenges for treatment and care. Many have been struggling for months prior to seeing doctors, and it can be difficult to identify organic causes for the symptoms that are presented. Common symptoms of long-Covid include difficulty with concentration, difficulty breathing, and stomach problems. Some people have much more severe symptoms, such as tachycardia or tremors that require spinal implants to enable the individual to function in relative normalcy.


While Covid has had a significant affect across the U.S., the pandemic disproportionately affected minority communities. With lingering effects of long-Covid, healthcare costs and the economic toll are continuing to rise.

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