Two years after the first wave of COVID-19, more than 100 million patients around the world continue to have sequelae of the pandemic, identifying three main organs where conditions are concentrated: brain, heart and lungs.
According to the data shared by the doctor Gorka Orivefull professor and researcher at the University of the Basque Country, women, especially between the ages of 30 and 45they have twice the risk of developing Long Covid or Covid is persistent.
The investigations document up to 62 symptoms associated with the diseasealthough they are 26 most commonbeing fatigueproblems of concentration, anosmia, hair loss and microthrombi are fundamental.
Post-Covid syndrome implies that these symptomwhether new, recurrent or continuous, present more than four weeks after being infected with the Sars-COV-2 virus.
Orive noted that one in eight people (12%) developed in places like the Netherlands. Long Covid or persistent. In contrast, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that the percentage rises to 20%.
Risks of suffering Covid is persistent
In his presentation “Long Covid-19: sequelae of post viral syndrome” dictated in the Faculty of Health of the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD), the Spanish specialist explained that patients with Covid is persistent they are predisposed to an increased risk of neurological disorders, an increased risk of encephalomyelitis, type 1 diabetes and cardiovascular disorders.
After the diagnosis of long covid (as it is known in English), it has been shown that the the patient’s immune system is weakeneda dysfunction of the circulatory system is observed with a reduced flow of oxygen to the tissueslimiting aerobic capacity and generating fatigue.
Also, damaged nerves from the action of inflammation with small fiber neuropathies. Also, lung damage and less efficient oxygen uptake.
On a brain level, Orive argued that the Long Covid leads cognitive alterationseven after a mild infection.
“It is estimated that 5% of those who have suffered from COVID-19 have persistent problems with smell and taste,” he added.
In relation to vaccination, although it is shown that it does not prevent infection, people who took three doses reduced the appearance of the 26 by half. symptom more persistent and generally inoculation reduces the risk of development by 30% Long Covid.
Mental health
Another aspect that Orive considered important was that of mental health.
The professor said that “the pandemic has caused depression and anxiety in 129 million people”.
Citing the example of his native country, he assured that in Spain the sale of antidepressants has skyrocketed by 10% in one year. The diagnoses of anxiety quadrupled and those of depression tripled after the arrival of the pandemic.
Cases of anorexia have also increased.
In 2020, suicide attempts among young people increased by 250%.
Gorka summed up that it is a health, social and economic condition. In the United States alone, there are approximately 500,000 post-Covid sick leave.
