A dynamic, committed girl who left no doubt about her independence and willingness to work was infected with the new coronavirus in September 2020. She developed Covid-19 with minor pulmonary dysfunction. After the illness, however, he got severe headaches, intestinal changes and fluctuations in blood sugar levels, which are still a disorder today.
Covid-19 appeared to be an acute illness that would get better once the symptoms of fever, cough, and malaise passed, along with control of the virus by the immune system. But time has shown that some problems last for weeks or long months. Some seem permanent.
Leaving episodes is not an exclusive feature of the new coronavirus. Zika, for example, appeared to be a mild illness when the virus was detected in Brazil in the first half of 2015. It was later found to be responsible for numerous cases of microcephaly in babies when the mother was infected during pregnancy.
The most frightening consequences of Covid-19 are those that worsen breathing capacity, most common in patients with serious illness – many of them with infectious complications in the lungs who needed the help of respirators. Some had long-term rehabilitation, sometimes with chronic breathing problems.
A recent study listed more than 50 long-term changes that can be caused by Covid-19. Very common and of shorter duration in most patients is loss or change in smell and / or taste, reflecting continuation of the nervous system. However, some patients also report changes in concentration, impaired memory, difficulty with daily tasks, and headaches, as well as other neurological sequelae that we identify over time.
In addition, changes in coagulation systems have required greater attention from doctors. It is not uncommon for some patients to have to use anticoagulants for extended periods of time due to changes in blood tests that need to be repeated and reassessed regularly. Some cases of thrombosis and embolism can occur even after Covid-19 resolves on its own. Many groups of scientists are deepening their studies to understand why this happens and how best to prevent and treat it.
Gastrointestinal changes, allergies, ocular and reproductive system changes, among others, are gradually described. It is clear that years of research will be required to diagnose and treat all of these disease-related consequences.
It’s important to mention that Covid-19 can also trigger the onset of autoimmune diseases and other pre-existing changes. Health problems that the person didn’t know they had are more likely to occur during the illness.
These are undesirable inheritances from the pandemic and should not be underestimated. The number of people infected with the new coronavirus in Brazil is too great for a study and care plan to be drawn up for patients with long-term consequences. There is no way to ignore this important problem of our collective health.
Incidentally, the patient infected with the new coronavirus in September 2020 is improving. Some of his symptoms have been controlled with medication, others are still causing a lot of discomfort. Gradually, she resumes her life, not without noticing the trace of Covid-19 that will never be forgotten.
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