As of 22nd August 2022, there are almost 594 million verified cases of COVID-19 and more than 6 million deaths, according to WHO. Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a contagious illness infected by SARS-CoV-2 virus. Most COVID-19 patients have mild to average indications and recover without medication in a week. However, some cases develop serious illnesses and require medical care. Some individuals with minor forms of the disease may continue to experience symptoms for an extended period of time. These persistent health issues are also known as post-COVID-19 syndrome, post-COVID conditions, long COVID-19, and post-acute effects of SARS COV-2 infection (PASC).
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Post-infection COVID-19 problems can occur in asymptomatic individuals who did not exhibit symptoms during infection. Different types and combinations of health issues may result from these difficulties for varying amounts of time. People with diabetes, immunodeficiency problems, malignancies, or chronic diseases are at risk for post COVID consequences. According to current data, youngsters who have improved from COVID-19 may also exhibit signs for weeks to months following infection.
According to medical researches, 1 in 5 adults ages 18 to 64 has at least one medical problem from 1 month to 1 year after recovering from Corona. Common post-COVID-19 syndrome symptoms include: Fatigue, fever, body pain, lung (respiratory) symptoms with trouble breathing or breathing shortness, and coughing, recontamination with the virus, extended hospitalization owing to illness’s severity, post-traumatic stress, digestive problems, joint pain etc.
Breathing problems
Severe situation of COVID-19 may cause scarring and additional lifelong lung issues. Yet, mild infections might cause recurrent shortness of breath after light activity. The recovery of the lungs following Coronavirus is achievable, but time-consuming. According to experts, it may take many months for an individual’s lung function to return to its pre-Covid stages. Respiratory exercise and therapy can be beneficial to overcome this issue.
Heart issues after COVID-19
Some individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 can develop heart issues, such as inflammation of the heart muscle. Studies show, that 60% of COVID-19 survivors displayed signs of continuing cardiac inflammation. It can cause breathing shortness, shivers, and faster heartbeats.
Post-COVID-19 Diabetes
There is complexity between COVID-19 and diabetes, particularly with type 2 diabetes. This diabetes is a risk factor after Corona, and some survivors acquire diabetic symptoms after recovering.
Kidney Problems
Acute renal damage is a rapid decrease of kidney function that can occur in Corona patients. In severe circumstances, dialysis may be required, however in some instances, this sort of kidney damage is reversible. Post-COVID-19 rindividuals with CKD are more likely to suffer severe symptoms. In order to avoid infection, it is crucial to take all required precautions.
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and Insomnia Following COVID- 19
POTS, or Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, is a disease that affects blood circulation. COVID-19 survivors may be more exposed to it. As per Dr. Tae Chung, Neuromuscular Psychiatrist from USA, “Some individuals develop medium to long-term symptoms following COVID infection, including brain fog, fatigue, headaches and dizziness. The cause of these symptoms is unclear but is an active area of investigation.”. Increasing Insomnia after Covid can be another symptom of POTS.
Cognitive Issues & Mental Wellbeing Following COVID-19
Experts at Johns Hopkins University in psychiatry, cognition, and mental health conducted a study on the effects of COVID-19 on psychological and emotional well-being. It was discovered that COVID-19 raises a person’s risk for depression, nervousness, and cognitive problems. Lengthy periods of isolation, pressure from work loss and monetary troubles, and grief from loved ones’ demises and ill health can intensify pain and weakness. Long-term COVID patients may face changes in how they think, focus, communicate, and memorize, which might limit their capability to work or do daily tasks.
Post-Covid effects are often unnoticed and untreated. In many cases, patients do not realize the gravity of this disease and suffer in the long term. Exercises to improve breathing, physical and psychological therapy, medicines, and other treatments would be beneficial in coping with the health conditions.