What are the side effects of COVID?
Article Source: Nature
Why you should care
COVID-19 is more than a respiratory illness—it can have widespread and long-lasting effects on various systems of the body. Understanding these side effects is critical for managing the virus's impact on health and improving treatments for millions of affected individuals worldwide.
Answering the question… What are the side effects of COVID?
COVID-19 can cause acute symptoms like fever, cough, and fatigue, but its effects extend beyond the infection period. Studies highlight long COVID, where 10-30% of patients report lingering issues like fatigue, brain fog, and shortness of breath. The virus can damage the lungs, heart, and even the nervous system. Additionally, 30-60% of severe cases lead to blood clot complications, and mental health impacts such as anxiety and depression are reported in 20-40% of patients.
How was the study done?
The study analyzed medical records and conducted follow-ups with COVID-19 patients over six months. Researchers used imaging techniques and blood tests to identify organ damage and systemic changes. A cohort of recovered patients was compared to non-infected individuals to isolate COVID-19-specific side effects.
What was discovered?
- Respiratory system: Up to 60% of severe cases show long-term lung scarring or reduced lung function.
- Cardiovascular system: Heart inflammation was observed in 20-30% of hospitalized patients.
- Neurological effects: Brain fog, memory issues, and nerve pain affected around 30% of patients, especially those with severe infections.
- Fatigue: Persistent fatigue was the most common symptom, affecting 70% of long COVID cases.
- Mental health: Anxiety and depression symptoms appeared in 20-40% of patients post-infection.
- Multi-organ impact: Kidney damage was noted in 15-25% of hospitalized cases, and liver enzyme abnormalities occurred in 10-20%.
Why does it matter?
Recognizing the wide-ranging effects of COVID-19 is crucial for tailored healthcare responses and long-term support for survivors. By identifying specific complications, medical practitioners can improve treatment strategies, focus on rehabilitation, and help patients regain their quality of life. The findings also underscore the importance of vaccination in preventing severe illness and these long-term effects.