2022 International Conference on Aging in the Americas

Abstract

In May of 2022 the USA reached the unthinkable milestone of 1 million lives lost due to COVID. As the USA prepares to transition to a post COVID world, we confront another pandemic. Millions more who have “recovered” from acute COVID infection remain with longer term symptoms as they experience post-acute sequelae of COVID (PASC) more commonly known as “long COVID”. Anyone can be affected by long COVID, whether after asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic infection, severe cases requiring ICU admission, or anything in between. The symptoms associated with long COVID are numerous and result from the virus’ effect on the brain, the heart, the lungs, and the gut among others. Along with the long term health consequences of COVID, also requiring attention are the social and economic consequences. Latinos have been disproportionately affected by COVID, a result of unequal access to testing, the disproportionately high rates of infections and hospitalizations as well as mortality rates, especially among those aged 20-59. In addition, there are significant structural inequities surrounding accessing prevention options (i.e., social distancing, masking, and vaccines) and treatments (e.g. monoclonal antibodies and antiviral drugs). During this presentation we will present an overview of PASC in Latine people. Using the lens of equity, we will identify and analyze challenges, barriers, and opportunities as well as the potential interventions and actions to ensure that the needs of ‘long haulers’ within the Latino community are addressed. Because so much of the discussion around “long haulers” does not include attention to seniors, we will redress that gap in this presentation.