When and How Will the Epidemic of COVID-19 End?

Self-Reported Long COVID and Its Impact on COVID-19-Related Worries and Behaviors After Lifting the COVID-19 Restrictions in China

OBJECTIVE

Since the lifting of the COVID-19 restrictions in China in November 2022, there has been a notable surge in the COVID-19 infection rate. Little is known about the prevalence of long COVID among the general adult population and its impact on COVID-19-related worries and behaviors after the policy change.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study recruited 1530 adults with prior COVID-19 infection in Guangzhou from February to March 2023. Logistic regression analyses and trend analyses were performed to investigate the associations between long COVID- and COVID-19-related worries and preventive behaviors.

RESULTS

The estimated prevalence of long COVID among adults in China was 18.0% (95% confidence interval: 16.1% to 20.0%). Common long COVID symptoms included cough (60.7%), fatigue (47.6%), dyspnea (34.5%), palpitation (26.2%), and insomnia (25.1%). Adjusted for background variables, individuals with long COVID exhibited higher level of COVID-19-related worries compared to those who had fully recovered from the infection (reference: without long COVID; adjusted odds ratios ranged from 1.87 to 2.55, all p values < 0.001). Participants primarily expressed worries regarding the potential for COVID-19 reinfection, the impact of the pandemic on daily life, the increasing number of COVID-19 cases and deaths, and the capacity of the healthcare system. While long COVID did not statistically significantly affect their preventive behaviors.

CONCLUSIONS

Long COVID was prevalent among the general adult population in China after lifting the COVID-19 restrictions, and it had a significant impact on COVID-19-related worries. This study highlights the importance of monitoring the mental health of individuals with long COVID and developing targeted intervention strategies to improve their adherence to preventive measures.

Effect of amubarvimab-romlusevimab for treatment of severe COVID-19 in intensive care units: A retrospective cohort study

Amubarvimab-romlusevimab is a commonly recommended antiviral treatment in China for adult patients with mild or moderate SARS-CoV-2 infections, especially for patients with a high risk factor for progression to severe COVID-19. However, its exact efficacy in patients with severe Covid-19 is not yet known.This is a single-center retrospective cohort study, in which we collected the general data, laboratory tests, radiological characteristics, viral conversion status, and prognosis of the disease from patients with COVID-19 hospitalized, from December 2022 to March 2023 in the Department of Critical Care Medicine. The amubarvimab-romlusevimab therapy can reduce the 28-day mortality (29.79 % vs 51.35 %, p = 0.02), and ICU mortality (29.79 % vs 55.41 %, p = 0.006) of severe COVID-19.A 1:1 PSM (Propensity Score Matching) was performed to reduce bias, in order to ensure the two groups were balanced and comparable. In the matched population (n = 47), there were no statistically significant differences between the mAbs (monoclonal antibody)group and the Non-antiviral group in 28-day, and thromboembolic events in COVID-19 patients. The 40-day survival analysis shows that mAbs therapy can improve patient prognosis (HR = 0.45, 95%CI = 0.26-0.76, p = 0.008). However, no significant intergroup difference in the 40-day cumulative viral conversion rate. In a univariate Cox regression analysis, The Amubarvimab - romlusevimab therapy(HR:0.464; CI:[0.252-0.853]; p:0.013) is a protective factor and CRP, PCT, PLT, Lactate, PT, PT-INR, and pt% level at admission were risk factors for clinical prognosis. After including the above covariates, Multifactorial COX regression shows that the Amubarvimab - romlusevimab therapy(HR:0.392; CI:[0.211-0.729]; p:0.003), CRP, Lactate and PT-INR at admission are independent factors for mortality of severe COVID-19. Based on the current data, we conclude that amubarvimab-romlusevimab therapy is beneficial for patients with severe COVID-19.

Aging During the Pandemic: Untangling the Complexities of COVID-19 and Geriatric Care

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges to the global healthcare system, with the elderly population being particularly vulnerable. This comprehensive review synthesizes the findings from publications in "Aging and Disease", highlighting the unique challenges older adults encountered during the pandemic and providing solutions thereof. These studies provide invaluable insights into the elderly population's vulnerabilities and needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The susceptibility to the virus in older individuals remains debatable, and research on the clinical picture of COVID-19 in older populations has yielded insights into clinical features, molecular mechanisms, and potential therapeutic strategies. This review intends to shed light on the need of sustaining physical and mental well-being among older adults during the periods of lockdown by extensively exploring these concerns and emphasizing the need for targeted interventions and support systems for this population. Ultimately, the findings of these studies contribute to developing more effective and comprehensive approaches to managing and mitigating the risks posed by the pandemic to the elderly.