All You Need To Know About Long COVID Complications and Their Impact on Healthcare Systems

As COVID-19 infection rates stabilize globally, health experts urge continued vigilance against the persistent threat of the virus. Emphasizing the ongoing mutations of the coronavirus, researchers stress the necessity for sustained preventive measures to mitigate the risk of infection resurgence.

Despite vaccination, individuals may still face a risk of contracting the new variant of the virus. While vaccines offer protection against severe illness, concerns persist regarding the potential for breakthrough infections. Additionally, amidst the global challenges posed by COVID-19, the emergence of long COVID, or post-COVID syndrome, has remained a significant focus for experts since the onset of the pandemic.

Post-COVID symptoms have persisted in certain individuals for over a year, leading to a range of health issues attributed to fatigue and weakness. Here, we delve into the four most prevalent problems associated with long COVID.

Health experts have observed that the predominant issue among individuals recovering from coronavirus infection is prolonged weakness and fatigue, often accompanied by breathing difficulties in some cases.

Researchers have highlighted that older individuals and those with pre-existing health conditions are at a higher risk of experiencing prolonged post-COVID complications. These issues may persist due to the depletion of micronutrients in the body during the course of the infection, contributing to their persistence even after recovery.

A report from the Cleveland Clinic indicates that a significant number of COVID-19 patients, regardless of the severity of their symptoms, are experiencing heart-related issues as part of long COVID. Alarmingly, in certain instances, this has resulted in a rise in the occurrence of heart attacks.

As per a report released by the American College of Cardiology, individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 face a twofold increased risk of developing heart disease. The virus has been found to inflict significant damage to the heart, leading to diminished cardiac function.

Health experts have identified another consequence of long COVID: sleep disturbances among individuals who have recuperated from the infection. A study report revealed that approximately 40% of individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 continue to experience sleep issues even after their recovery.

These sleep problems encompass issues such as insomnia, daytime sleep disturbances, frequent awakenings during the night, and feelings of fatigue upon waking. Experts said that these persistent sleep disruptions not only detrimentally impact physical health but also have adverse effects on mental well-being.

According to a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 may experience a decline in cognitive function. Moreover, those who suffered from more severe symptoms of the virus tended to exhibit lower IQ scores.

Health experts stress that COVID-19 can cause damage to various parts of the body. Therefore, individuals who have been infected are advised to consult a doctor and undergo a comprehensive health checkup post-recovery to ensure no lingering effects of the virus remain undetected. This proactive approach aims to safeguard against any potential long-term consequences of COVID-19.