Surviving the dreaded
COVID-19 virus is probably the one and only wish anyone who gets infected has,
and it would be the same sentiment toward their loved ones. While it is an
absolute joy to recover, as with any other illness, COVID-19 leaves its mark on
those who have faced it and survived. While some may get over this illness in a
short period, others battle with it for months. However, whether the duration
of infection was long or short, the coronavirus causes long-term damage. So in
this post, we will explore the reported long-term aftereffects of COVID-19.
Respiratory Effects
Since COVID-19 primarily
affects the respiratory system, it is only natural that it worsens or induces
other conditions that affect the respiratory tract. According to the CDC, severe lung-related diseases, such as COVID-19, can
cause health effects, including weakness and exhaustion. Further, one specific COVID-19 health effect is pneumonia.
Although it develops while you are infected with the virus, in some cases, it
persists after a negative COVID test
result. This pneumonia damages certain structures within the lungs
resulting in long-term breathing problems.
Weakness & Fatigue
Weakness and fatigue are
two of the more common aftereffects of
COVID-19. In fact, they are typically associated with recovery from viral
infections. Several reasons can account for why you feel weak or fatigued even
though you have received a negative
COVID-19 test result, such as the pneumonia associated with the condition
and the fact that your body is in “repair mode.” Also, persons who had severe
COVID-19 and required management with ventilators, and treatment in an
intensive care unit, usually experience post-recovery long-term fatigue.
Hair Loss
Scores of people have
reported hair loss as an aftereffect of COVID-19, and clinicians believe this
to be related to physical and emotional stress induced by knowing you are
infected with COVID-19. They assert that this particular hair loss is
reversible with efficient and consistent treatment. In an online survey, over 500 persons from a total of 1700 respondents say
they’ve experienced hair loss after recovering from COVID-19.
Heart Problems
Recently, patients who
had even a mild form of COVID-19 are showing evidence of long-lasting COVID-19 health effects on the heart
muscle after recovery. Clinicians believe that this development can eventually
lead to heart failure or other conditions.
Other Health Effects of COVID-19
COVID-19 essentially
affects the entire body. As such, it is even seen to cause and worsen
brain-related issues such as strokes, seizures, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Additionally, some persons may experience inflammation in different areas of
their body and even develop blood clots.
So much is still unknown
about the long-term aftereffects of
COVID-19; however, much research is underway. Consequently, we urge you and
your loved ones to get a physical examination done after your COID-19 recovery.
Doing so will help to identify and treat any effects early. We will continue to
keep you up-to-date with credible information to ensure your safety and improved
health. See you next time!
References
Your
COVID Recovery. (2021). Yourcovidrecovery.nhs.uk.
https://www.yourcovidrecovery.nhs.uk/managing-the-effects/effects-on-your-body/fatigue/
CDC.
(2020, February 11). Post-COVID Conditions. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/long-term-effects.html
COVID-19
(coronavirus): Long-term effects. (2021). Mayo Clinic;
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/coronavirus-long-term-effects/art-20490351
Sweet, J. (2020, August 22). COVID-19 Survivors Are Losing Their Hair — Here’s Why. Healthline; Healthline Media. https://www.healthline.com/health-news/covid-19-survivors-are-losing-their-hair-heres-why#Hair-loss-among-long-haulers