Return to work considerations in the lingering COVID-19 Era: Long COVID, multiple chemical sensitivity, and universal design

Wickert, Kimberly; Romeo, Judiann McCrone; Rumrill, Phillip D.; Sheppard-Jones, Kathleen; McCurry, Sara

doi:10.3233/wor-223641

Cited by 2 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 6 publications

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“…Persistent symptoms lasting three or more months after the initial infection is referred to as Long COVID-19, with persistent long-term health issues involving cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal, neurologic, and psychological functions. [5,6]. "Brain fog" (unusual forgetfulness, word finding deficits, and inability to concentrate) has been cited as a "particularly frustrating persistent symptom" [6].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Individuals with Chemical Intolerance (CI) may also be especially vulnerable to infection and to have more severe symptoms. As such, not only do people with CI need to take extra measures to avoid exposure to COVID-19, but they have remained vulnerable when workplaces and public spaces were re-opened, and disinfectant chemicals were widely used to sanitize the environment [6]. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the association between CI and COVID-19.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…[5,6]. "Brain fog" (unusual forgetfulness, word finding deficits, and inability to concentrate) has been cited as a "particularly frustrating persistent symptom" [6]. It is estimated that up to 13% of those infected with COVID-19 will develop long COVID-19, and account for 30% of COVID-19 related hospitalizations [7].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals with Chemical Intolerance

Palmer,

Kattari,

Verduzco-Gutierrez

2024

Preprint

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BackgroundThe Center for Disease Control has estimated that over 24 million have been infected with COVID-19 in the US with over 6,700,000 being hospitalized, and over 1,174,000 deaths. Several other industrialized countries show similar numbers (CSSE, 2021). Chemical Intolerance (CI) is characterized by multi-system symptoms initiated by a one-time high dose or persistent low-dose exposure to environmental toxins including chemicals, foods and drugs. With an estimated 20% prevalence in the US, the symptoms of CI include fatigue, headache, weakness, rash, mood changes, musculoskeletal pain, gastrointestinal issues, difficulties with memory, concentration, and respiratory problems which are similar to COVID-19 and its sequelae. The purpose of this study was to determine if the pandemic had differential effects on those individuals with CI.MethodsA large U.S. population-based survey was launched involving 7,500 respondents asking if they ever had COVID-19, what the severity of it was, and if they have long COVID-19. Respondents were also assessed for CI using the Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI), a 50-item validated questionnaire designed to assess intolerances to inhaled chemicals, foods, and/or drugs. Respondents were classified as Low, Medium, or High CI.ResultsThose in the High Chemical Intolerance class reported a greater COVID-19 prevalence, symptom severity, and long COVID-19 then in the Medium and Low CI classes (P<.0001). These associations were independent of race, ethnicity, income, age, and gender. However, there was significantly increased odds of COVID-19 severity among females and those over 45 years old. Asian individuals were least likely to have severe symptoms compared to White individuals (OR = 0.60). Black/African American individuals reported a lower prevalence of COVID-19 than Non-Hispanic Whites (NHW), but African American individuals with high CI reported 2.2 greater odds of reporting COVID-19 prevalence. Further, African American individuals had significantly greater odds of increased symptom severity.DiscussionPrior studies showed that higher risk for COVID-19-19 infection include the elderly, male sex, those with pre-existing comorbidities (e.g., challenged immunities) and those from minoritized racial/ethnic groups. The results of this study suggest that those with CI be included in a high risk group. Various risk subsets may exisit and future investigations could identify different risk subsets. Understanding these subgroups would be helpful in mounting targeted prevention efforts.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals with Chemical Intolerance

Palmer,

Kattari,

Verduzco-Gutierrez

2024

Preprint

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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The impact of long Covid on people’s capacity to work

Gallegos

Morgan

Videla

et al. 2023

Annals of Work Exposures and Health

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This commentary addresses the post-COVID-19 syndrome and its implications for workers’ health. Post-COVID-19 syndrome consists of a set of physiological and psychological symptoms resulting from SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection, which occur continuously for several weeks or months. Therefore, it is an affectation that has multiple consequences for the recovery of people’s health, and compromises the ability to perform daily activities, including work, whether in person or remotely. Although several studies have been published so far, and several long-term consequences on people’s health have been demonstrated, most have not adequately delved into the implications for the health of workers, their families, and the socioeconomic cost for governments. The aim of this paper is to highlight this public health issue and to encourage more specialized research.

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Return to work considerations in the lingering COVID-19 Era: Long COVID, multiple chemical sensitivity, and universal design

Cited by 2 publications

References 6 publications

Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals with Chemical Intolerance

Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals with Chemical Intolerance

The impact of long Covid on people’s capacity to work

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