After-Effects of COVID-19 You Should be Aware of!
The majority of those who contract coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) recover in 2 to 6 weeks, although others continue to have symptoms. Individuals with severe COVID-19 may experience problems, need rehab following a hospital stay, or experience both. People may notice changes in their mental health in addition to the effects of COVID-19 on their physical health. The after-effects of COVID-19 on physical and mental health are discussed below, along with some helpful resources. Scientists are unaware of the consequences months or years after the initial illness because COVID-19 is a new disease.
Researchers have hypothesised that the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that is responsible for COVID-19 may have effects that are similar to those of other coronaviruses, such as those that cause severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).
A 2020 study discovered that almost 30% of patients who recovered from severe SARS or MERS had persistent lung problems. According to a 2009 study, 40% of SARS survivors still had persistent fatigue on average 3.5 years after the illness.
While SARS, MERS, and COVID-19 are all caused by members of the same viral family, the 2020 study reveals important distinctions between them. For this reason, extrapolating COVID-19's long-term impacts from the other two disorders is not a valid method.
There is continuing research into the after-effects of COVID-19. Via programmes like the COVID Symptom Study, a mobile app is used to follow patients' symptoms and the disease's long-term effects.
In Mild or Moderate Cases
Most COVID-19 patients have mild or moderate sickness that can be successfully managed with conservative treatment. Yet, even after they have recovered from the initial infection, some people who have experienced a mild or moderate disease continue to experience lingering symptoms that can be severe.
When these symptoms last for a long period, the condition is commonly referred to as "long COVID," and those who have it are known as "long-hauliers."
List of After-effects of COVID-19 - People with mild or moderate COVID-19 often go on to report:
These symptoms may continue for weeks or months after the infection has been eliminated by the body.
Anybody, including children and adults with no prior health issues, appears to be susceptible to extended COVID. According to a telephone study, 20% of people aged 18-34 suffered extended symptoms, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
In Severe Cases
Approximately 10-15% of patients who have COVID-19 suffer severe symptoms, and about 5% become seriously ill. Individuals who have significant symptoms may also have a lengthy COVID. Also, persons suffering from a more severe kind of sickness may be more susceptible to having problems. According to the WHO, consequences can include injury to:
The lungs: According to research published in August 2020, persons with severe COVID-19 are frequently discharged with symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis, a type of lung injury. It can cause long-term breathing problems in certain persons.
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The heart: A June 2020 analysis found that 20-30% of persons hospitalised with COVID-19 had symptoms that the condition had harmed their cardiac muscles. COVID-19 may potentially cause myocarditis, or inflammation of this muscle, according to the researchers.
The nervous system: A 214-person study published in April 2020 discovered that patients with severe COVID-19 were more likely to develop neurological symptoms such as dizziness, nerve pain, and reduced consciousness.
Doctors are still unsure how these issues may affect people in the long run.
Individuals who spend time in the hospital and require artificial ventilation may face additional challenges. Research published in July 2020 mentions the following ventilator-related complications: List of After-effects of COVID-19
Individuals who have COVID-19 and are discharged from the hospital require ongoing support and rehabilitation to help them recover.
Long-term After-Effects of COVID-19 on Mental Health
The COVID-19 epidemic has had a significant impact on mental health. According to a review published in August 2020, many people experienced an increase in stress, worry, sadness, and sleep difficulties as a result of the epidemic.
List of After-effects of COVID-19- Some of the elements that may contribute to mental health problems during the pandemic include:
These events can have a long-term influence, especially if someone has endured acute or prolonged distress. This has the potential to result in psychological trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder.
According to research, persons who use a ventilator can experience extreme stress as a result of their need for the machine to breathe. Some persons acquire depressive problems as a result of ventilator treatment.
Conclusion:
The majority of patients who contract COVID-19 have minimal symptoms and recover without therapy. Yet, because SARS-CoV-2 is a novel virus, researchers are still learning about the disease's long-term repercussions.
Now, clinicians are aware that COVID-19 can induce long-term effects. Some refer to this problem as protracted COVID or post-COVID-19 syndrome. COVID-19 can also cause long-term organ damage if it is severe.
These and other pandemic-related experiences can be distressing, impacting a person's mental health. Scientists grow more equipped to develop successful therapies and management measures as they collect more data. To protect oneself and others, please contact us and get the COVID-19 preventative guidelines.