The diagnostic basis of long COVID and its effects on the operational efficiency for helicopter pilots
Zhu Ying1, Zhou Axiang1, Li Sen1, Wang Xu2, Qi Guanghui3, Yang Ce1
1State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China; 2Department of Emergency, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Medical College in Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China; 3Contingent 91 of Unit 73159, Quanzhou 362100, China
Abstract：Long COVID was defined as a symptom that persisted for at least 2 months after the onset of illness or 3 months after the diagnosis of an asymptomatic person with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and could not be explained by other diagnoses. Presently, long COVID, as a syndrome objectively existing in some patients after COVID-19, with multiple organ systems involved and various clinical symptoms, has not yet reached a consensus on the diagnosis. The possible pathophysiology, risk factors, and treatments of long COVID remain unclear, with our current understanding incomplete. Increasing evidences shows that cardiac, pulmonary, and coagulation disorders and neuropsychological sequelae can occur even in healthy young adults with COVID-19. The underlying manifestations may lead to decreased operational effectiveness and potentially cause sudden incapacitation of helicopter aircrews. However, there are few relevant articles on the effect of long COVID on helicopter pilots. Therefore, this article starts with the effect of long COVID on various systems of the body of flying personnel, summarizes previous studies, and aims to clarify the diagnostic basis of long COVID and how it affects the performance of flying personnel. From the perspective of aviation health support, the integrated intervention measures after long COVID are presented concerning strengthening the physical examination and health appraisal of helicopter pilots, controlling flight operation release standards, health supervision throughout the entire flight process, standardized vaccination, supplementation of special medical food and nutrients, and comprehensive psychological rehabilitation intervention. It aims to provide ideas for the health care and re-flight inspection of helicopter flying personnel after recovery from COVID-19 infection.
朱莹 周阿香 李森 王旭 齐光辉 杨策. “长新冠”诊断基础及其对直升机飞行人员
作业效能的影响[J]. 中华诊断学电子杂志, 2023, 11(3): 145-152.
Zhu Ying1, Zhou Axiang1, Li Sen1, Wang Xu2, Qi Guanghui3, Yang Ce1. The diagnostic basis of long COVID and its effects on the operational efficiency for helicopter pilots. zhzdx, 2023, 11(3): 145-152.
