Do Covid-19 Infections Have Long-Term Effects?
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The spread of COVID-19 disease has deteriorated the quality of life of humans over the past few years. Thousands of people lost their lives or their loved ones due to the impact of the virus on them. However, there are a few thousand people who have recovered gratefully from the virus, unaware of the grave repercussions of the after-effects of the virus.
Medical experts and doctors around the world have conducted immense research and study on the long-term effects of the disease, and have come to this mutual conclusion that after having recovered from the virus, patients are at the risk of life-threatening complications.
Common Symptoms Observed Post-COVID Recovery
Certain symptoms of the COVID-19 virus occur during the initial phase of the infection and last for a long time post-recovery from the virus. The different symptoms that are present in different combinations among the patients are:
- Fatigue
- Loss of smell and taste
- Cough
- Cold
- Fever
- Dizziness
- Joint pains
- Chest pain
- Pounding heartbeat
- Depression
- Anxiety, etc.
These symptoms persist for a few days after recovery from the COVID-19 infection. For some they are mild, however, for others, they might be severe, causing restlessness and anxiety.
Multi-Organ Damage DueTo COVID-19
Though Corona Viruses like SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, and MERS, are known to cause respiratory malfunctioning; they along with the lungs, affect several other organs of the human body leading to chronic health conditions.
These different parts of the body include the Lungs, Heart, Kidney, Skin, and Brain. Post-effects of this disease might lead to conditions like Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome(MIS) or Autoimmune conditions. Let us look at how it affects some of the different organs:
1. Heart
COVID-19 virus makes the blood cells to cluster and form clots. Sometimes these clots can be bigger. These large clots block the tiny blood vessels in the heart, which in turn might lead to the failure of the heart or simply, a heart attack. It has also been observed that this virus damages the muscles of the heart resulting in long-term damage and weakening of the organ.
2. Lungs
Most of the strains and mutants of the COVID-19 virus are known to cause the failure of respiratory function. It associates a kind of pneumonia that harms the tiny air sacs in our lungs, also known as alveoli. This damages the tissues in our lungs causing lifelong scarring.
3. Brain
Due to the nerve block and clot formation phenomena, this virus can lead to strokes, seizures, and other brain-related conditions that cause temporary and sometimes, permanent paralysis. There is also a huge risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
COVID-19 Effect On Mental Health
Due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the recovered patients have undergone disturbances, which has affected their mental state. Post recovery patients have been known to suffer from depression, anxiety, stress, poor sleeping patterns, etc. Some factors have to lead to the mental illness of people:
- Loneliness
- Loss of employment
- Financial struggles
- Lasting illness
- Grief
Unknown Long Term COVID-19 After Effects
Many researchers and medical scholars are researching and identifying more long-term effects of the COVID-19 virus, which are still unknown. In some patients, the symptoms are automatically recovered after a short period, however, in others, these long-term effects persist for an undefined period. These studies that are being conducted will help understand the virus better.
Conclusion
In the hard times of this pandemic, due to a lack of awareness and information, patients are often unsure of their state and tend to panic. In such situations, you must always consult your doctor and seek his advice.
In medical science, advancements are happening, especially during COVID times, therefore do not let your mental state get disturbed due to the spread of misinformation.
“Precaution is better than cure”, therefore, prevent the spread of the virus by wearing masks and sanitizing your hands, this way you will not be infected, which will nullify any chances of these long-term effects due to the Coronavirus.
Also Read:Why Children Below 18 Years At Higher Risk Under COVID-19 Third Wave?
All About COVID-19 Sputnik Vaccine
Disclaimer: This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.
