Here Are Six Long-Term Side Effects After Recovery from COVID-19 You Should Know
According to medical experts, it is no longer uncommon for COVID-19 patients who have upper respiratory infections to suffer from loss of smell and taste.
In a recent report, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Anthony Fauci, MD, said that researchers have not fully appreciated yet what is going to happen after an individual recovers from a severe COVID-19 case.
During the BIO International Convention last June, Dr. Fauci said, "We don't know the extent of full or partial recovery," saying there is still much to be learned about the virus and what happens after patients recover.
Reports have it that roughly 10 percent of almost four million people in the United Kingdom who contribute to an app called "COVID Symptom Study" have reported impacts that last for over four weeks.
And while health experts remain unsure of what all the long-term side effects of this pandemic are, here are some of the long-term effects after recovery.
Mental and Behavioral Problems
According to the Banner University Medical Center Tucson intensive care unit medical director, Christian Bime, M.D., Patients of COVID-19 may encounter some psychiatric problems like post-traumatic stress disorder, cognitive impairment, depression, and anxiety because of the trauma of the infectious disease, as well as its treatment.
Post-COVID rehabilitation center Director Dr. Piero Clavario said that his team was able to contact 55 survivors of the illness. These survivors had their treatments in May.
According to Dr. Clavario, half of these patients experienced psychological problems. Only eight among the 55 contacted did not need follow-up support or complained about any complications of the illness.
Weakened Muscles
Dr. Clavario explained that what surprises him the most is that even the patients who did not spend any time in intensive care are now excessively delicate.
Not even a single evidence of any pulmonary or cardiological issue was seen, although they are unable to walk up a step in stairs.
The majority of the survivors contacted presented a severe weakness in their muscles. Additionally, the doctor said that most of them were able to recover after they exercised regularly.
Long-Term Exhaustion
Overwhelming exhaustion or fatigue lasting for over six weeks has been a common complaint by many who recovered from COVID-19, data from the COVID Symptom Study app indicated.
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Dr. Bime explained that COVID-19 could cause acute respiratory distress syndrome, which could result in a limited capacity of the lungs, complications in the kidney, and poor conditioning because of the limited function of the organs.
Impairment to lung tissue can lead to scarring, which can lower lung function even after the passing of initial damage, although Dr. Bime noted that scarring could partly heal.
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Loss of Senses of Taste and Smell
It is no longer uncommon for COVID-19 patients who have upper respiratory infections to suffer from a temporary loss of smell and taste, which could, unfortunately, be permanent in some cases.
This was according to Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery associate professor and Vanderbilt University Medical Center's Smell and Taste Center medical director, Justin Turn, M.D., Ph.D.
Pneumonia
According to lung expert Panagis Galiatsatos, M.D., pneumonia due to COVID-19 is impacting the lungs. And while most people are recovering from pneumonia minus the lasting damage of the lungs, Dr. Galiatsatos explained that pneumonia linked to this infectious illness might be severe, and lung injury may lead to breathing difficulties.
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