25 Mar The Long Term Effects Of Covid-19, Explained

Covid-19 presents very differently depending upon who is infected. Some people may never experience symptoms; others get severely ill. Here, we will examine the long term effects of Covid-19, also known as “long haul Covid,” a term coined to describe those who are still impacted by the infection long after it has passed through their system.

The most common long term effects of Covid-19

Covid-19 can damage the human body in different ways, resulting in a variety of symptoms long after it leaves the body.

Severe inflammation

One of the most devastating effects of Covid-19 on the body is the inflammation of various parts of the body. This can cause lasting, even permanent damage to your heart, lungs, and respiratory system. Some people have experienced prolonged inflammation of the heart after contracting the virus, resulting in a slew of other health issues, some of which are described here.

Brain damage

A lack of sufficient oxygen as a result of severe respiratory issues can greatly impact not only the lungs, but also the brain. People suffering from low oxygen levels can develop both minor and major brain damage, from which they may never recover.

People may also suffer brain damage as a result of stroke or heart attack. Seniors, especially those over age 70, are at much higher risk of these devastating effects, and of long-term effects in general.

Brain damage resulting from Covid-19 infections can cause dementia to manifest later in life; some doctors believe those who survive the virus have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease. They believe this is due to the harm of multiple organ symptoms by the virus.

Loss of senses and other effects

Many “long haulers” report a loss of taste and or smell, among other symptoms. For some, these symptoms have returned after weeks or months; others are still hoping to regain these senses in the future.

Erratic pulse and/or blood pressure have also been reported, as well as hair loss and headaches. It is believed that inflammation of the heart may be the root cause of this issue.

How common are the long term effects of Covid-19?

Most people who experience Covid-19 symptoms will have mild to moderate symptoms similar to the flu, including:

• Fever and chills
• Sore throat, muscle pain, and headache
• Cough, shortness of breath, and runny nose
• Vomiting and diarrhea

10-15% of the infected population will experience harsh illness, some of whom will subsequently develop long-term symptoms.