Primary Healthcare
The first point of contact in a healthcare system, typically delivered through general practitioners, family physicians, community health workers, or outpatient clinics.
Glossary of Terms
LMIC
Low and Middle-Income Countries. Nations classified by the World Bank as having low or middle per capita income. These countries often face distinct healthcare challenges including resource constraints, infrastructure limitations, and workforce shortages.
Long COVID
A condition characterized by persistent symptoms that develop during or after COVID-19 and continue beyond the acute phase of infection, typically lasting for 2 months or more. Also known as Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), Post-COVID Syndrome, or Post-COVID-19 Condition.
PASC
Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The medical term often used in scientific literature to refer to Long COVID.
SARS-CoV-2
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2. The virus responsible for COVID-19 disease.
WHO
World Health Organization. A specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health.
Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM)
The worsening of symptoms following even minor physical, cognitive, or emotional exertion, often with delayed onset (typically 12-48 hours after activity). A hallmark symptom of Long COVID for many patients.
Brain Fog
A colloquial term for cognitive dysfunction experienced by many Long COVID patients, including problems with memory, attention, executive function, processing speed, and word-finding difficulties.
Dysautonomia
Dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and temperature regulation. Common in Long COVID and may manifest as POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome).
ME/CFS
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. A complex, debilitating illness characterized by profound fatigue, post-exertional malaise, cognitive dysfunction, and other symptoms. Has clinical overlap with Long COVID.
Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
The concept that all individuals should have access to the health services they need without suffering financial hardship.
Multidisciplinary Care
An approach to healthcare delivery involving coordination among various healthcare specialties to address multiple aspects of a complex condition like Long COVID.
Pacing
An activity management strategy used by individuals with conditions like Long COVID to balance activity and rest, avoid post-exertional symptom exacerbation, and manage limited energy.
Out-of-Pocket Expenditure
Healthcare costs paid directly by individuals rather than covered by insurance or public funding. High out-of-pocket expenses are common in many LMICs.
Social Determinants of Health
The conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age that impact their health outcomes, including socioeconomic status, education, physical environment, employment, and social support networks.