The effects of the corona crisis are hitting more vulnerable populations, such as less educated people, young people, the elderly and people with underlying health problems. It is not only about the direct consequences, but also about the indirect, future consequences. This is reported by the RIVM in a special edition of the Public Health Future Outlook. It describes how the corona pandemic will change health in the Netherlands over time.
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The direct consequences of the new corona virus are enormous, also in the Netherlands. Death from COVID-19 will probably be in the top 3 causes of death in 2020. The disease burden is five times higher than with normal flu. In addition, the long-term effects for ex-patients are still unknown. In addition, the indirect effects of COVID-19 are major: regular care has (temporarily) been less accessible, lifestyle is changing and corona measures impede social life.
People live unhealthier lives
The research shows that more people in the corona crisis have started to live unhealthier lives. Smokers smoke more, the number of overweight people is increasing and the burden of disease is increasing because, for example, (plannable) specialist care is postponed.
Great mental pressure among young people
The RIVM concludes that the corona crisis strikes much harder among less educated people. In addition, the mental health of young and old is under pressure. The pandemic is also sharpening contradictions between generations. Young people feel limited in their freedom by the corona measures, which are mainly intended to protect the elderly.
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In the first phase of the corona crisis, little attention was paid to aspects such as perceived health, loneliness, being able to take control, quality of life and sense of purpose. It is important to also consider these perspectives on health in future measures, RIVM writes.
Also positive consequences COVID-19
RIVM also outlines positive consequences of the corona pandemic. For example, the application of digital techniques has expanded enormously. Remote care is much more used, the digital emancipation of the elderly has increased significantly and working from home also entails more self-management and family time. There is also a stronger connection in the neighborhood and more intensive cooperation between different care parties.
Better prepared for the future
The results of this foresight study paint a picture of a society that has been hit hard at all levels by the outbreak of the corona pandemic. Better preparation for the future requires: more focus on integrated prevention, taking account of chronic diseases and infectious diseases, more insight into mental health among different population groups and more intensive cross-domain cooperation between ministries to improve health.
By: National Education Guide
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