COVID-19 is still surging through the country, taking the lives of many and changing the lives of even more. But along with the rising number of cases, doctors are also concerned about what happens after patients recover. They’ve discovered that many patients are developing what’s being called “post-covid syndrome,” which encompasses a variety of symptoms seen well after initial recovery.
A recent study revealed that only around 10% of COVID-19 survivors did not have any lingering symptoms or issues after recovering. Around 72% of survivors experienced significant symptoms, including extreme fatigue, and a small number of patients actually experienced life-threatening issues such a s lung fibrosis, kidney failure, myocarditis, and stroke.
It’s clear that this novel virus has great consequences on the body, even long after its passed through the system. It’s important to be aware of the ways that COVID can wreak havoc on the body. Take note of these six organs & systems that are most commonly affected by COVID-19.
1. Respiratory System
Many patients who have had COVID-19 continue to experience respiratory symptoms after the virus has run its course. These symptoms include shortness of breath, debilitating fatigue, and the need to take deeper than normal breaths. Scientists believe these symptoms could be related to permanent damage to air sacs and lung tissue. COVID-19 also causes inflammation that leaves scars on the lungs, which can cause breathing issues to remain long term.
2. Heart & Blood Vessels
Doctors feel strongly that COVID’s effects on the heart and circulatory system can be very serious and hard to treat. This is especially true for patients who have pre-existing heart conditions. It’s been shown that even patients who no longer test positive for COVID-19 experience extreme fatigue, abnormal heart rate, palpitations, chest pain, and continuing heart muscle damage (which is revealed through imaging.) Another issue showing up in post-covid patients is the presence of blood clots, which can cause life-threatening issues like heart attacks and strokes, as well as damaging organs like the liver and kidney.
3. Kidneys
Impaired kidney function has been seen in post-covid patients, and those with diabetes or high blood pressure are at even more risk. Patients who have recovered from COVID-19 sometimes still continue to experience low urine output and infrequent urination, some having to go on dialysis.
4. Liver
COVID-19 has been shown to damage the hepatic tissue. Patients who had a moderate to severe form of the virus have shown elevations in liver enzyme levels and impaired liver function. Some studies have shown that liver function does not return to normal even after the virus is gone, which could be because of low oxygen levels or side effects of the drugs used to treat the initial infection.
5. Brain
Strokes, seizures, and inflamation on the brain has been revelaed in several patients who have recovered from COVID-19. Other patients also state feeling confused, foggy, and dizzy, as well as having blurred vision and trouble focusing. Scientists believe that COVID-19 could cause “temporary paralysis” and may even raise a patient’s risk of developing Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.
6. Digestive System
It’s been shown that COVID-19 can alter nutrient absorption and make it difficult for the body to receive the electrolytes it needs. Patients who have recovered from COVID-19 sometimes experience nausea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and gastritis.
Outlook
Researchers are still studying COVID-19 “long haulers” and the symptoms they experience long after the initial virus has run its course. So much about the virus, including it’s long-term effects, is still unknown. Doctors are continuing to learn more about these lasting effects and the best ways to treat them.