Det är enklare att få svar om man promtar rätt, det kanske Socialstyrelsen skulle ägna sig lite åt? Går blixtsnabbt. SBU kanske snart inte behövs. Här listan på sequele dvs kvarstående symptom efter genomgången virusinfektion med Covid-19…
The long-term effects of COVID-19, often referred to as ”long COVID” or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), can affect multiple organs and systems in the body and persist for weeks, months, or even longer after the acute phase of the illness. These long-haul effects vary widely in severity and can impact the quality of life for those affected. Here are some of the most common and significant long-term effects:
1. Fatigue
- Description: Persistent and overwhelming tiredness that is not relieved by rest or sleep. Fatigue is one of the most commonly reported symptoms of long COVID and can be debilitating.
- Impact: Can severely limit daily activities, work, and overall quality of life.
2. Respiratory Symptoms
- Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing or feeling out of breath, even after mild exertion.
- Cough: A persistent cough that lingers long after the initial infection has cleared.
- Impact: These symptoms can interfere with physical activity and may require ongoing medical management.
3. Neurological Symptoms
- ”Brain Fog”: Cognitive impairments such as difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and confusion.
- Headaches: Frequent or severe headaches.
- Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded or unsteady, sometimes associated with postural changes (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome or POTS).
- Sleep Disorders: Difficulty falling or staying asleep, changes in sleep patterns.
- Impact: These symptoms can affect daily functioning, work, and mental health.
4. Cardiovascular Issues
- Chest Pain: Persistent chest discomfort or pain, which may be linked to inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis) or other heart conditions.
- Palpitations: Irregular heartbeats or a racing heart.
- Impact: These issues can be concerning and may require ongoing monitoring and treatment.
5. Gastrointestinal Symptoms
- Diarrhea: Ongoing digestive issues, including diarrhea.
- Nausea: Persistent nausea or gastrointestinal discomfort.
- Loss of Appetite: Changes in eating habits due to gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Impact: These symptoms can affect nutrition and overall well-being.
6. Psychological and Mental Health Effects
- Anxiety and Depression: Many people with long COVID report feelings of anxiety, depression, or other mood disorders, potentially exacerbated by the experience of prolonged illness and the impact on their lives.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Some individuals, especially those who had severe COVID-19 or were hospitalized, may develop PTSD.
- Impact: Mental health challenges can be significant and may require psychological support or therapy.
7. Muscle and Joint Pain
- Myalgia: Muscle aches and pains that persist long after the acute phase of COVID-19.
- Arthralgia: Joint pain and stiffness.
- Impact: Can limit mobility and physical activity, contributing to decreased quality of life.
8. Loss of Taste and Smell (Anosmia and Ageusia)
- Description: Some people experience a persistent loss or alteration of taste and smell, which can last for months or even longer.
- Impact: This can affect appetite, nutrition, and enjoyment of food.
9. Skin Conditions
- Rashes: Various skin rashes, including ”COVID toes,” which are red or purple discolorations on the toes.
- Hair Loss: Some individuals experience hair loss (telogen effluvium) as a delayed response to the stress of the illness.
- Impact: While typically not life-threatening, these conditions can be distressing and affect self-esteem.
10. Organ Damage
- Lung Damage: Some individuals may develop long-term lung damage, such as fibrosis, leading to chronic respiratory problems.
- Heart Damage: Inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis) can lead to long-term heart problems.
- Kidney Damage: Acute kidney injury during COVID-19 can lead to chronic kidney disease.
- Impact: Organ damage can lead to chronic health issues that require long-term management.
11. Post-Exertional Malaise
- Description: A worsening of symptoms following physical or mental exertion, often seen in conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME).
- Impact: This can severely limit a person’s ability to engage in normal daily activities and exercise.
12. Endocrine and Metabolic Changes
- Diabetes: Some individuals have developed new-onset diabetes following COVID-19, possibly due to the virus’s effects on the pancreas.
- Thyroid Issues: There have been reports of thyroid dysfunction after COVID-19, including conditions like subacute thyroiditis.
- Impact: These conditions may require long-term medical management and lifestyle adjustments.
13. Impact on Immune System
- Autoimmune Reactions: Some evidence suggests that COVID-19 can trigger autoimmune conditions, where the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues.
- Prolonged Inflammation: Chronic inflammation has been observed in some individuals, which can lead to various health problems.
- Impact: This can result in ongoing health challenges and the need for immune-modulating therapies.
Conclusion:
The long-term effects of COVID-19 are still being studied, and the full range of potential symptoms and their duration are not yet fully understood. However, it is clear that long COVID can have a significant and lasting impact on many individuals, affecting various aspects of physical and mental health. Ongoing research and medical attention are critical to understanding and managing these long-term effects.