Breakthrough Research from University of Sharjah Sheds Light on Long COVID Crisis

A groundbreaking study published in Scientific Reports, a Nature journal, has revealed alarming insights into Long COVID—or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC)—among patients previously hospitalized in the United Arab Emirates. Led by researchers from the University of Sharjah's Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, the investigation tracked 533 adult patients admitted for COVID-19 between January 2020 and October 2021. Nearly half, 49%, developed Long COVID, experiencing a staggering 43 distinct symptoms across 11 organ systems.

This UAE-specific data underscores the persistent burden of the pandemic years after the acute phase, even as vaccination rates soared in the country. The study's focus on hospitalized patients—who faced severe initial illness—highlights vulnerabilities unique to the region's diverse expatriate and Emirati population. Funded by University of Sharjah grants, it exemplifies how UAE higher education institutions are driving critical public health research.

Understanding Long COVID: Definition and Global Context

Long COVID refers to a range of symptoms that persist or emerge three months or more after the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection, lasting at least two months without another explanation. Globally, prevalence among hospitalized patients varies from 30% to 50%, with fatigue, shortness of breath, and cognitive issues topping the list. In the UAE, where over 1 million COVID-19 cases were reported by 2024, including tens of thousands of hospitalizations, Long COVID represents an ongoing challenge for healthcare systems.

The World Health Organization recognizes Long COVID as a multisystem condition affecting respiratory, neurological, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal functions. Common manifestations include extreme fatigue that worsens with activity (post-exertional malaise), brain fog (difficulty concentrating or memory lapses), persistent cough, chest pain, joint aches, sleep disturbances, and loss of taste or smell. These align closely with the UAE study's findings, but local factors like high diabetes prevalence and diverse genetics may amplify risks.

Study Design: Tracking UAE Hospitalized Patients Post-Discharge

The retrospective cohort study combined medical records from Sharjah and Dubai hospitals—such as Al Qassimi Hospital and Rashid Hospital—with telephone interviews. Patients, aged 18+, were hospitalized primarily for COVID-19, though early cases included quarantine. Follow-up assessed symptoms persisting beyond three months, self-perceived health via validated scales, and work impacts.

Key demographics reflected UAE's population: mixed nationalities, varying comorbidities like hypertension and diabetes. This rigorous approach, supported by University of Sharjah's expertise, provides robust evidence amid limited regional data.

Prevalence and Diverse Symptoms: 43 Manifestations Identified

Shockingly, 48.7% of participants had Long COVID, with 46.6% enduring symptoms over a year. Symptoms spanned 11 systems: respiratory (shortness of breath, cough), neurological (brain fog, headaches), musculoskeletal (fatigue, myalgia), cardiovascular (palpitations), and more. Fatigue dominated, mirroring global patterns but with higher persistence in UAE's hot climate potentially exacerbating respiratory issues.

• Fatigue/post-exertional malaise: Most prevalent globally and locally.
• Shortness of breath and cognitive dysfunction: Common in hospitalized cohorts.
• Lesser-known: Dermatological rashes, gastrointestinal upset, sleep disorders.

This breadth emphasizes Long COVID's complexity, urging multidisciplinary care.

Key Risk Factors: Who Is Most Vulnerable?

The study pinpointed female sex, higher initial symptom count, ICU admission, and two or more comorbidities (e.g., diabetes, obesity) as significant risks. Women faced elevated odds, possibly due to hormonal or autoimmune factors. ICU patients, reflecting severe acute disease, showed heightened susceptibility—a pattern seen worldwide.

In UAE context, comorbidities like diabetes (prevalent at 15-20% nationally) amplify risks. For more on diabetes and post-COVID risks, see this UAE study.

Health Outcomes: Profound Impacts on Daily Life and Work

Long COVID correlated with poorer self-rated health, emotional distress, and physical limitations. Affected patients reported significant work impairments—physical exhaustion and cognitive challenges hindering productivity. This burdens UAE's workforce, vital to its economy.

Globally, similar findings show 30-50% reduced quality of life; UAE data calls for workplace accommodations.

UAE Universities Spearheading Post-Pandemic Research

The University of Sharjah dominates, with lead author Rouba K. Zeidan and colleagues from its medical, pharmacy, and dental colleges. Khalifa University contributed too. Funded by university grants (CoV19-0301), it showcases UAE higher ed's pivot to translational research amid COVID.

Prior Sharjah studies on non-hospitalized Long COVID reinforce their leadership. Such efforts position UAE as a Middle East hub for infectious disease research.

Global Comparisons: UAE Aligns with Hospitalized Cohorts Worldwide

UAE's 49% rate matches Thailand (similar study) and global hospitalized averages (36-43%). Lower in non-hospitalized (10-30%). Differences: UAE's expatriate diversity may influence.

WHO notes over 200 symptoms; UAE's 43 highlight commonality.

Implications for UAE Healthcare: Policy and Support Needs

With high prevalence, UAE must expand post-COVID clinics like those at American Hospital Dubai and King's College. MoHAP's recovery initiatives could integrate screening for high-risk groups. Multidisciplinary rehab—physiotherapy, cognitive therapy—essential.

Workplace policies for fatigue management vital in UAE's expatriate-heavy sectors.

Management Strategies: From Rehab to Emerging Therapies

Treatment is symptomatic: graded exercise for fatigue (cautiously), cognitive behavioral therapy for brain fog, medications for pain/SOB. UAE clinics offer holistic care including nutrition. Future: antivirals, immunomodulators per global trials.

Photo by Lynn on Unsplash

• Paced activity to avoid PEM.
• Multivitamins, anti-inflammatories under supervision.
• Mental health support—prevalent in UAE study.

Future Outlook: UAE's Research Momentum and Calls to Action

University of Sharjah urges structured follow-up for ICU survivors, females, multimorbid patients. Longitudinal studies needed. As UAE advances vaccination (near 100% eligible), focus shifts to Long COVID mitigation.

Explore careers in UAE health research via AcademicJobs UAE.