Concerns remain as COVID-19 pandemic weighs on Hispanic people in US

During the early stages of the COVID-19 epidemic, Hispanics in the United States faced a disproportionately large number of cases. Concerns remain as the COVID-19 pandemic enters its fourth and final year. Some federal resources are set to expire in the near future.

There were more than ten cases between Jan. 22, 2020 - two days after the first COVID-19 confirmed case in the United States - and May 30, 2020.

1.3 million lab-confirmed cases

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are approximately 400,000 cases of TB in the United States. About a third of the 600,000 cases for which race and ethnicity information was available were Hispanics.

Bertha Hidalgo is an associate professor of Epidemiology at the University of Alabama in Birmingham.

Latinos continue to be threatened by systemic disparities that have been exacerbated by the pandemic, such as lack of access and food insecurity. Hispanics make up 24.3%, even though they only represent about 19%, of all COVID-19 deaths and cases that have race and ethnicity information. This is only second to non-Hispanic White people who make up around 60% of U.S. Population and total 53.8% cases.

CDC data

From mid-April.

CDC data shows that Hispanics make up 16.8% the COVID-19 death rate in the United States.

Hidalgo stated that economic stress caused by the disease is a challenge for Hispanics, as they hold many jobs in poorly ventilated or crowded conditions. This includes meatpacking plants and storage warehouses. These conditions increase Hispanics' risk of infection.

Hidalgo stated that "people who make up a large proportion of the workforce might not have the financial means to purchase high-quality masks, or pay for rapid tests at home."

She warned that financial strains could worsen after the

Public health emergency

The COVID program, which offers a variety of free resources including health care and government-purchased supplies, ends on 11 May.

As long as the government's COVID vaccines, treatments and medications are still available, everyone will be able to get them for free, regardless of their insurance coverage. Medicare and private insurers will no longer have to pay for at-home testing. Medicaid-eligible individuals will still be able to get free tests until September 2024.

Hidalgo stated that although the impact of COVID-19 on Latinos has not been fully understood, it "has affected the ability of people to work, live a quality life, and to access care which can help monitor symptoms and change them." Hidalgo says that to address the health disparities in a Hispanic population growing at 62 million people, it will require continued effort from community leaders and local organizations. Advocates, too, must continue their efforts.

The scientific side of things

two recent studies

Researchers from the National Institutes of Health’s Researching COVID To Enhance Recovery Project found that Black and Hispanic COVID-19 Survivors may experience more symptoms or health problems related.

Long COVID

Yet, they may receive a less accurate diagnosis. Researchers found that the symptoms of COVID manifest differently among Hispanics. Hispanics were more likely to experience headaches, chest pain and fatigue than whites.

According to the latest estimates, a disproportionately higher number of Hispanic adults who tested positive for COVID-19 have experienced long COVID-like symptoms. Nearly 29%.

U.S. Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey

.

COVID-19 is also a result of the high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among Hispanics, including diabetes and obesity. Dr. Jorge Saucedo of the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, explained that this has been a factor. Both diseases are on a

List of CDC conditions

COVID-19 can cause severe illness.

Saucedo stated that "these comorbidities increased their likelihood of... having worse outcomes." "There are also socioeconomic factors, like where people live. Many Hispanics are known to live in small spaces.

He said that many Latinos with chronic illnesses have less access than other people to health care, healthy food and a more favorable environment. "Under these circumstances, you will get sick. And when you do get sick, your health is going to be worse."

Hidalgo stated that even though the loss of government resources could signal that COVID-19 is no longer a concern, people should continue to view it as a danger and take precautions. This includes wearing a mask when in crowds and keeping up-to-date with vaccinations.

You can also find out more about the following:

CDC recommends

Everyone 6 months of age and older will receive a bivalent booster that protects against both the original virus and its more recent variants. On Tuesday, the Food and Drug Administration announced that it would be updating its booster to protect against both the original virus and more recent variants.

Second bivalent booster dosage authorized

For people over 65 years old and those with a compromised immune system. The

CDC signed off

On Wednesday, the group will receive an additional booster.

Hidalgo stated that "if you are a high risk person, and you become infected you could still get sick or die."

Saucedo says that as people adjust to a new world with COVID-19 it is important to use common sense in order to remain healthy. He compared it to flu: "Everyyear we'll have this and we will just need to be careful and protected ourselves."

Editor's Note: Due to the rapid evolution of events surrounding the coronavirus the information and advice in this article may have changed since it was published. Check out Heart.org for all the latest information, and speak to your local health officials and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the most current advice.

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