PAN AFRICAN JOURNAL OF LIFE SCIENCES
e-ISSN: 2672-5924
Volume 8, No. 2, August 2024
Pages 145-151
DOI: 10.36108/pajols/4202/80.0230
The Global Burden of COVID-19 and Its Recovery Time
Rita A. Olowe,1,, Esther F. Aluko,2*, Evelyn D. Adesina,3, Olugbenga A. Olowe,4.
1Research Ethics Unit, UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital UTH, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria.
2Department of Global Public Health, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Australia.
3Lautech Open and Distance Learning, Nursing
4Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, LAUTECH, Ogbomoso, Nigeria.o.
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic, emerging in late 2019, has had profound global impacts on health, economies, and societies, with millions infected and a substantial death toll. The virus’s severity has varied across regions. Genomic studies suggest that SARS-CoV-2 is related to bat viruses similar to SARS, indicating bats as likely primary reservoirs, though the exact transmission route to humans remains unclear. Human-to-human transmission is well-documented. Combating the pandemic has involved widespread vaccination and public health measures to mitigate the virus’s impact and facili-tate recovery
Methods: This review analyzes COVID-19’s global burden, recovery times, and survival analysis con-cerning recovery rates. It also addresses treatment management and updates on the pandemic.
Review Findings: No effective drug or vaccine was discovered early on, with recovery periods vary-ing: approximately 2 weeks for mild cases and 3 to 6 weeks for severe cases. From July 10 to August 6, 2023, 44% of countries reported at least one case to the WHO, indicating a global reduction in cases since mid-2022.
Conclusion: In conclusion, COVID-19 has caused significant mortality and socioeconomic challenges worldwide. Recovery times vary, with some individuals recovering quickly while others take longer. Although COVID-19 remains a significant health issue, it is no longer classified as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
Keywords: COVID-19, Pandemic, Mortality, Epidemiology, Infectious diseases.