Unveiling the health-related consequences of COVID-19 From imaging and clinical manifestations to environmental interactions

This thesis examines the long-term health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a particular focus on individuals experiencing persistent symptoms, known as Long-COVID. It explores how public health measures, such as lockdowns, had unintended effects on other medical conditions—for example, temporarily reducing pediatric asthma cases, followed by a rebound in hospital admissions once restrictions were lifted. The research also reviews the value and limitations of clinical tools, such as chest imaging and found that despite SARS-CoV-2 being primarily a respiratory infection, not all Long-COVID patients exhibit lung abnormalities on chest imaging. Through in a comprehensive cohort study, the thesis investigates a wide range of health outcomes among individuals with Long-COVID, identifying common symptoms like fatigue, respiratory issues, and neurological complaints, and highlighting the potential role of anemia as a contributing factor to fatigue. In addition, the thesis explores environmental influences, such as access to green space, and their potential impact on recovery, though no significant associations were found. By combining clinical data, patient-reported outcomes, and environmental factors, this work provides new insights into the complexity of Long-COVID and its diverse manifestations. The findings emphasize the need for an individualized approach to diagnosis and care, while also highlighting the broader implications of the pandemic on public health and healthcare systems. Overall, the thesis contributes to a growing understanding of the long-term effects of COVID-19 and supports the development of improved strategies for patient care, prevention, and future health policy planning.