Five Surprising Ways COVID-19 Impacts Your Health Long After Recovery
When it comes to COVID-19, the term “recovery” can be quite subjective, as research suggests. There are numerous reports about “long COVID,” where people who have technically recovered from the virus continue to experience various symptoms.
Typically, COVID-19 is a short-lived and mild illness for most people. However, even after recovery, there can be lingering health issues. Here are some examples:
Fatigue
One of the most common and debilitating symptoms of long COVID is severe fatigue. According to BBC News, many people report feeling a level of tiredness they have never experienced before. For instance, Jade Gray-Christie shared with BBC News that her fatigue was unparalleled.
Moreover, a study highlighted by Nature involving 143 COVID-19 patients discharged from a Rome hospital found that 53% reported fatigue two months after their symptoms started. Additionally, 43% experienced shortness of breath during the same period.
Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath is another prevalent symptom of long COVID, second only to fatigue. Dr. Zijian Chen from Mount Sinai Health System’s Center for Post-COVID Care mentioned it as the most significant physical issue in recovering patients. Some have a persistent cough that hinders their breathing. Even some patients on nasal oxygen at home found it insufficient to alleviate their breathing difficulties.
Lungs
Since COVID-19 begins as a respiratory infection, potential long-term lung damage needs attention. A study examining lung scans from nearly a thousand patients found that the lower lobes of the lungs often showed opaque patches indicative of inflammation. This could mean difficulty in breathing during prolonged physical activity. Fortunately, most visible lung damage tends to heal within a few weeks.
Immune System
COVID-19 can also weaken the immune system, which might impact the patient’s recovery over the long term. As the immune system affects the entire body, a compromised immune system could pose additional health risks. Although other viruses are known to have similar effects, more research is necessary to confirm this for COVID-19.
Heart
COVID-19 might cause the immune system to overreact, leading to inflammation that notably affects the heart. Mao Chen, a cardiologist at Sichuan University, has voiced concerns regarding the prolonged cardiovascular risks following a COVID-19 infection.
If you experience symptoms of COVID-19, it’s crucial to get tested to confirm if you have the virus. Testing is accessible through several services, including companies like MyHealthChecked.
