PhD Defence Demi Michaela Elisabeth Pagen

Keywords: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Long Covid/post-COVID-19 condition 
 

"The spectrum of COVID-19 epidemiology: from public health alarm state to long-term struggle"

This thesis explores the epidemiology of the COVID-19 pandemic, from the acute public health crisis to the long-term consequences of COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 condition (PCC). It provides novel insights into key exposure factors influencing COVID-19 transmission during the early pandemic, identifying high-risk settings and demonstrating the limited effectiveness of border closures in preventing cross-border transmission. Additionally, it examines the spectrum of acute and long-term symptoms, highlighting variations by sex and age. By applying multiple PCC definitions, the thesis assesses prevalence estimates and underscores the impact of inconsistent case definitions. Furthermore, it explores key characteristics of PCC, emphasizing the risks associated with potentially harmful treatments when these characteristics are not well understood. Finally, the likelihood of recovery is estimated for individuals with mild and severe long-term symptoms following COVID-19 infection. By synthesizing these findings, this thesis provides critical insights to inform future research and policy responses. 

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