Consequences of COVID-19 Pandemic Including Endocrine and Metabolic Impacts

Abstract

A pandemic is an epidemic that spreads globally. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused a major pandemic that affected human health and activities around the world since the beginning of 2020 and became a major international emergency. Through multiple paths, COVID-19 pandemic influenced life at individual, familial, societal, and environmental levels and led to a global economic recession. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the virus responsible for the disease. It invades the target cells by binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Endocrine and metabolic systems can be implicated in COVID-19 infection. Subjects with several comorbidities (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, and obesity) are more likely to be infected and are at a higher risk for complications and death from COVID-19. Wearing mask, social distancing, home confinement, and isolation have been recommended and implemented in several countries to curb the spread of the outbreak. Vaccination remains the best protective measure. Different vaccines are now available and have been used. The worldwide impact of COVID-19 pandemic may last several years.