The Silent Struggle: Addressing Post-COVID Health Challenges with Booster Doses

Background: Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) primarily an infectious disease of respiratory tract caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS CoV-2), it has triggered the rapid expanding pandemic worldwide, including in Bangladesh and has left deep impact on physical and mental health.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 booster doses on long COVID symptoms, including the role of demographic factors, and to assess whether booster doses reduce symptom severity in vaccinated individuals.

Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted from October to December 2022 in Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh, involving 110 participants aged 18 and older with chronic respiratory conditions. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire, covering socio-demographic factors, vaccination status, and post COVID complications. Vaccination types included AstraZeneca, Moderna, Pfizer, and Sinovac. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 27.0, employing Chi-square and logistic regression techniques to explore associations between booster doses, demographic factors, and post-COVID symptom prevalence.

Results: The study represent the post-COVID complications experienced by the respondents based on vaccination status. The study found that certain post-COVID symptoms, such as anxiety (30.0%) and physical weakness (59.1%) were prevalent across all vaccination groups. However, breathing difficulty, muscle pain, tiredness was common. In addition, a significant association was observed between high blood pressure and Sinovac (χ² = 6.091, p = 0.014), confusion and Pfizer (χ² = 4.076, p = 0.044), and breathing difficulties and Moderna (χ² = 8.615, p = 0.003). Gender differences were minimal, with no statistically significant disparity in post-COVID symptoms between males and females. Booster doses appeared to reduce the severity of certain symptoms, including anxiety and confusion, but physical weakness and joint pain persisted across all groups.

Conclusion: COVID-19 booster doses significantly mitigate the severity of post-COVID complications. However, persistent complications like physical weakness and joint pain highlight the need for continued research and interventions targeting post-COVID. Booster doses remain a crucial strategy in reducing post-COVID health challenges, emphasizing the importance of widespread vaccine uptake to alleviate the long-term burden on individuals mental and physical healthcare systems.