The Long Term Effects of Covid-19: What We Know So Far
By Cherri Taite
Since the pandemic began in 2019, more than 760 million people
worldwide have been infected. COVID-19 was a crisis felt around the
world, and its effects are far from over. While we initially focused on
the immediate danger of the virus, new studies are showing that
COVID-19 can have long-lasting effects on the body, impacting
everything from the heart to the brain. Even after the fever and fatigue
are gone, many people continue to face health issues. In fact,
according to the CDC nearly 1 in 5 people who have had COVID-19 are
still dealing with some form of long-term health problem from the
virus.. the full scope of these lingering effects is only now becoming
clear, raising urgent questions about the long-term health of millions of
survivors.
Long-Term Effects on the Lungs
COVID-19 is primarily known for attacking the respiratory system.
Lingering respiratory symptoms can include shortness of breath, an
Initial symptoms can include shortness of breath, a lingering cough,
and general difficulty breathing lingering cough, and general difficulty
breathing. lung function may remain impaired for some. Researchers
at Oxford have been exploring Covid’s damage to the lungs that may
be the cause of ongoing symptoms. In some cases, the damage is so
severe that it leads to lung scarring (pulmonary fibrosis), which can
contribute to limited lung function long after recovery .
Heart Health: Inflammation and Blood Clots
Although COVID-19 is primarily known for affecting the lungs, it can
also harm the heart and circulatory system. People who have had
COVID-19, even in mild or moderate cases, are at a higher risk of
heart-related issues. These can include myocarditis (inflammation of
the heart muscle), arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), and an
increased risk of blood clots. inflammation in the heart can make it less
efficient at pumping blood, leading to tiredness and weakness. this
damage can produces Symptoms of fatigue and weakness after the
infection has resolved.
Additionally , evidence suggests COVID-19 increases the risk of blood
clots. The virus can lead to abnormal clotting in the blood vessels,
which can result in dangerous conditions such as deep vein thrombosis
(DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE). DVT occurs when blood clots form
in the veins, usually in the legs. PE happens when a clot travels to the
lungs, which can be life-threatening. Researchers say the risk of heart
and blood vessel problems such as stroke or blood clots remains higher
for up to a year after recovery. These effects on the heart and
circulatory system are a major concern, as they can increase the
likelihood of stroke, heart attack, or other cardiovascular complications
down the road.
Metabolism: Weight and Blood Sugar Changes
Research has shown that many people who recover from COVID-19
experience changes in their metabolism. A study conducted in Iran
found that individuals who had recovered from COVID-19 showed
significant increases in body weight, body mass index (BMI), and blood
sugar levels. These changes were seen even in individuals who had not
been hospitalized and had mild cases. Interestingly ,some people who
had lost weight after the virus still had an increase in total body fat
percentage
Other studies show that people with COVID-19 have increased levels of
fasting blood glucose, insulin, and insulin resistance, which can
increase the risk of developing diabetesThese metabolic changes can
be concerning, as they may lead to new-onset diabetes or worsen pre-
existing conditions. Studies show that COVID-19 infection can result in
a significant change in body mass index (BMI), and over time, this can
affect metabolic health .
Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, has
rapidly transformed global healthcare landscapes and triggered an
unprecedented public health crisis. Since its emergence, the virus has not
only affected millions of people worldwide but has also led to long-lasting
implications that continue to unfold as time progresses. Understanding the
long-term effects of COVID-19 on various body systems, and overall health, is
crucial.
COVID-19 doesn't just cause short-term illness; it can lead to lasting damage
in multiple organ systems, including the lungs, heart, and metabolism. Even
after the virus has been cleared from the body, people may continue to face
significant health challenges. These challenges are not limited to those who
had severe cases of the virus; even individuals with mild infections can
experience long-term effects. Lung damage, heart complications, and
metabolic disruptions are all potential consequences of COVID-19 that can
last months or even years after recovery.
As more research is conducted, we continue to learn about the long-term
impacts of COVID-19 on different organ systems. While some effects can be
managed with proper medical care, others may require ongoing monitoring
and intervention. Given the widespread nature of the virus and its potential
for long-term health problems, it's crucial for individuals who have recovered
from COVID-19 to stay in close contact with healthcare providers to manage
any lingering health concerns.
