Long COVID has impact on Latino communities

It has been more than five years since COVID-19 was first declared a pandemic in the United States. The lasting effects of long COVID are still being uncovered.

A recent study is drawing attention to its serious impact on Latino communities. Researchers surveyed over 1,500 patients with confirmed COVID-19 cases and discovered that nearly half reported experiencing long COVID symptoms. 

“The community that we surveyed were in frontline positions,” explained Dr. Leo Morales, professor of medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine. “There were high levels of exposure. They were living in group situations, so there was a lot of transmission to vulnerable people, and they had relatively little access to care.” 

One of the most concerning findings was that middle-aged women were disproportionately affected. Morales noted this is especially troubling given their central role in maintaining the well-being of families and communities. 

“We need more research. Clearly, we need better treatment.  We need better tests, and I think we need to continually worry about access to care,” Morales said. 

Despite these survey results, many providers reported seeing far fewer cases in their clinics. This is something Morales attributes to underdiagnosis and lack of awareness.