Navarro-Olivos et al. (2026)
- Authors: Efraín Navarro-Olivos, Miztli David Aguilar-Caballero, Juan Pablo Martínez-Becerra, Maria de Jesus Gallardo-Luna, Nicolas Padilla-Raygoza
- Institutes: Directorate of Teaching and Research, Institute of Public Health from Guanajuato State, Guanajuato, Mexico
- Publisher: IntechOpen
- Link: DOI
Summary
This study underscores the severe and often overlooked burden of Long COVID in Mexico and Latin America, where nearly 40% of survivors may be affected. By linking clinical symptoms to mechanisms like viral persistence and microclots, it advocates for a shift from dismissing symptoms to providing validated, multidisciplinary care. It serves as a vital call to action for regional governments to establish formal registries and protocols to address this “chronic pandemic.” The review provides a critical framework for clinicians in resource-strained environments to better recognize and manage the condition’s multisystem impact.
What was researched?
This narrative review examines the multisystem clinical spectrum, pathophysiology, and regional epidemiological landscape of Long COVID in Mexico and Latin America.
Why was it researched?
Research has disproportionately focused on the Global North, leaving the impact in Latin America—a region with high mortality and strained health systems—insufficiently documented. The authors highlight the urgent need for formal recognition and standardized care to counter the misunderstanding and stigma experienced by patients.
How was it researched?
The authors synthesized evidence from Mexican national health surveys, international meta-analyses, and literature on post-viral syndromes. They also proposed a stratified care model and referral algorithm specifically tailored for resource-limited health systems.
What has been found?
Long COVID prevalence in Mexico is estimated at 37%, disproportionately affecting working-age women and lower-income populations. The syndrome is driven by complex mechanisms such as viral persistence, immune dysregulation, and endothelial dysfunction with microthrombosis. Potential interventions mentioned include vaccination 💊 to reduce risk, as well as substances like sulodexide 💊, PEA-LUT 💊, and probiotics 💊 for symptom management.
Discussion
A major challenge identified is “medical gaslighting,” where invisible symptoms like fatigue are dismissed due to a lack of objective diagnostic findings. The review stresses the importance of clinical validation and managing patient expectations during a non-linear recovery process.
Conclusion & Future Work
Long COVID is a neurovascular and immunologic condition that necessitates a transition to a comprehensive biopsychosocial care model. The authors recommend establishing national registries and multidisciplinary networks to effectively address long-term disability in the region.