Months into the pandemic, medical experts observed that some patients with milder symptoms of coronavirus experienced "long COVID" or were designated as "long-haulers." These patients have had symptoms lasting for weeks up to months.
Through time, researchers began understanding more about how the virus affects the immune system, how underlying conditions cause severe infections, and others remain asymptomatic. Several studies have determined that nearly 80% of those who test positive for the virus have not infected others, labeling nearly 19% of patients as "supertransmitters."
Since it hasn't even been a full year since coronavirus reached the entire world infecting millions, the long-term effects of the virus are yet to be discovered. A new report by the National Institute for Health Research predicts that out of 95,000 patients across England, 45% may need ongoing support after they've been discharged. Perhaps even 50% of hospitalized patients would need rehabilitation services as well.
The Report Determined Four Syndromes of Long COVID Thus Far:
Permanent Organ Damage
Several studies have determined that coronavirus does not just damage the respiratory system, but affects other organs as well including the heart, kidneys, and gut. The most common cardiovascular complication associated with Covid-19 was an acute myocardial injury.
Up to 12% of those who suffered heart damage experienced heart failure or arrhythmia. Heart arrhythmia is a condition when the heart beats abnormally - the rhythm is either too fast, too slow, or irregular. Nearly one-third of SARS and MERS survivors also continue to suffer from symptoms of fibrotic lung disease and other long-term complications in various organs.
Asymptomatic patients are not excepted for signs of lung damage either. Researchers from the Scripps Translational Research Institute discovered "ground-glass opacities" or cloudy areas in several heart and lung X-rays of asymptomatic patients.
Post-Intensive-Care Syndrome
PICS is the combination of health problems that persist after a severe illness, especially psychological problems. Coronavirus has caused a dramatic increase in anxiety and depression for those with and without the virus, especially due to global lockdown and long-term isolation.
The NIHR wrote how important it is to recognize "mental health issues as both a possible consequence of living with Covid19 and as a potential consequence of having ongoing physical symptoms."
Post-Viral Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome or myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) may affect thousands of long-haulers. Symptoms include difficulty in recovering from exercise, lapses in memory, and easily getting tired from physical activity.
Lee Bowen, an opera singer who tested positive in February, was relatively fit before getting ill. Now, he suffers from "crippling fatigue," exhaustion, brain fog, and struggles with conversations and online meetings.
Persistent Covid-19 Symptoms
Other long-haulers have a combination of symptoms that persist long after testing positive for the virus. A study from July reported that nearly 90% of recovered patients have at least one persistent system. 32% of patients had two persistent symptoms, and 55% had three or more lingering symptoms. Less than 13% of recovered patients had no persistent symptoms.
A lot of long-haulers shared the importance of support and availability of treatment. Some patients have sought help from support groups on Facebook, online counseling, or rehabilitation centers.
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