Such is the complexity of the coronavirus pandemic, it’s perhaps unsurprising that so many myths seem to be emerging among the population.  One of the misleading appears to be that once society has recovered from the virus, then the battle has been won and no further issues will result.

New research from Yale School of Public Health dispels that myth, revealing that the virus is likely to leave lasting physical and mental health challenges behind, especially for those in vulnerable groups.  The study, which was conducted among low-income women in New Orleans around the time of Hurricane Katrina, and the women reported similar issues, including lack of access to medical care, scarcity of medications, and bereavement, as are being reported during the current coronavirus crisis.

Indeed, the analysis reveals that up to 12 years after the hurricane, the women were experiencing psychological and post-traumatic stress, together with a range of general and physical health symptoms.

“This pandemic is likely to have profound short- and long-term consequences for physical and mental health,” the researchers say. “These impacts are likely to be even larger than what we have seen in previous disasters like Hurricane Katrina, given the distinctive qualities of the pandemic as a disaster.”

Long-term issues

The results suggest that health officials need to look not only at responses to reduce Covid-19 transmissions but also those that address longstanding health inequalities, whilst also exploring measures to prevent and mitigate exposures that will have an impact on the mental and physical health of citizens.

Another key factor was the fear for one’s own safety people felt, and their fear for the safety of others.  It’s something that the researchers hope will encourage health officials to tailor messaging so that it helps people to manage any anxiety or fear they have, as well as increasing their safety from Covid transmission.

For those who have suffered from bereavement, or who are experiencing significant fear and anxiety, they recommend that supplementary health services are provided.

The researchers suggest that while there has been extensive research highlighting the negative impact disaster exposure has on our mental and physical health, they suggest that most of these previous studies have failed to focus on specific trauma and stressors that can be addressed by policymakers.

“This study represents a step toward disentangling the health consequences of disasters, while also recognizing more longstanding factors that contribute to health disparities,” the researchers conclude.