NAVIGATING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: RISK FACTORS, DISPARITIES, VARIANTS, AND COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGIES FOR MANAGEMENT AND PREVENTION

Harsh Mahesh Kashid and Rajshree D. Ghogare*

The SARS-CoV-2 virus that initiated the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted global economies, societies, and health systems. This review examines various pandemic aspects, including risk factors, healthcare inequities, variant evolution, and illness management strategies. Age is a critical risk factor; older adults and individuals with chronic conditions are more prone to severe outcomes. Lower-income and minority communities are disproportionately affected due to higher infection rates and limited access to treatments, worsening existing healthcare inequities. The emergence of variants like Omicron has complicated management due to their increased transmissibility and partial immune evasion. While diagnostic testing, including rapid antigen tests and nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), is crucial for controlling the virus, each type has its limitations. Vaccination remains the most effective defence against serious illness, with mRNA vaccines and other approved treatments demonstrating strong efficacy. Long COVID or Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection (PASC)—poses serious challenges, causing persistent symptoms that diminish quality of life. Most paediatric cases start with mild symptoms, though rare severe disorders like multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) have been reported. The pandemic's economic repercussions include job losses, slowed business operations, and increased healthcare costs, prompting governments to implement stimulus packages. Addressing these multifaceted issues requires a comprehensive approach that includes universal healthcare access, robust vaccination programs, and inclusive public health strategies to ensure effective pandemic management and future preparedness.