Chronic Covid-19 a new health challenge, says UAE doctor – News

Patients may suffer from physical and mental symptoms

In the third year of the pandemic, humanity has adapted to life with Covid-19, the culture of maintaining a safe distance and wearing masks in closed and even open spaces. However, the long-term effects of Covid-19 are also disrupting the lives of some in the new normal world.

The long-term effects of contracting the coronavirus disease are indeed emerging as new threats, with some Covid-19 survivors experiencing symptoms ranging from six months to more than a year, frontline doctors in the UAE have pointed out.

Dr Rajesh Kumar Gupta, a specialist in internal medicine at Burjeel Specialist Hospital in Sharjah, noted that up to 20% of patients globally suffer from health problems for months, despite most Covid-19 tests being negative.

“You see, a lot has been discussed and written about the post-Covid-19 situation or what is commonly known as long-term Covid-19. But we can’t basically be parallel to what happened last year and now. Currently, the UAE is 100% of the target group. In countries that have been vaccinated, most people have received booster doses.”

“Although hospitalization rates have been falling, some recovered Covid-19 patients are experiencing long-term problems. On average, 15% of cases experience long-term effects, while others become severe.”

Dr Gupta stressed that the post-Covid-19 situation is also emerging as a global challenge for the healthcare system.

“Yes, long-haul trucks could be the next serious health crisis, according to projections, as we work our way out of the pandemic. Even if we have 1 in 10 positive cases with symptoms that persist for months or more than a year, that number May continue to go north.”

“The most common long-term symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, dry cough and fatigue, and muscle weakness,” Dr. Gupta emphasized.

A recent study published in The Lancet reported that one in eight infected people had at least one core symptom of long-term Covid-19.

long-term respiratory symptoms

Dr. Aparna Namboothiri, a pulmonologist at Ahalia Hospital in Abu Dhabi, noted that persistent symptoms and poor health after Covid-19 have been found to be independent of complications or initial disease severity.

“The most interesting thing about long-term Covid-19 is that it does not appear to be related to initial disease severity. In our experience, patients who are asymptomatic during their illness develop new symptoms, such as cough, chest pain or difficulty breathing, and later A period of palpable happiness.”

Dr Aparna noted that most long-term Covid-19 cases have long-term respiratory symptoms.

“Studies have also shown that patients develop new-onset asthma-like illness after Covid-19. This may be due to post-viral bronchial hyperresponsiveness, which is also seen in other respiratory viral diseases. Advanced age, smoking and pre-existing lung disease are Some risk factors for persistent symptoms after Covid-19.”

Also focus on mental health

Dr Shaju George, a psychiatrist at Dubai’s Medeor Hospital, said several patients had developed post-Covid-19 symptoms for more than a year and the focus should now also be on addressing their mental health issues.

“The long-term effects of the pandemic are likely to linger for years. Even for a person who has not tested positive for Covid-19 in the past three years, there is still some form of pandemic-related stress. Here we are We’re talking about long-term Covid-19 cases; the impact on their mental health cannot be assessed right now. But for sure, we can say with certainty that post-Covid-19 conditions for adults and children will be a challenge.”

Dr George highlighted that the number of people reporting psychological problems and symptoms of depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress is on the rise globally.

“Even if one person in a household suffers from Covid-19 symptoms for a prolonged period, it will not only hinder his or her well-being and well-being, but the entire house. The impact of chronic Covid-19 on the mental health of those affected can also have consequences. The impact of others. The mental health of long-distance transporters should also be vigorously discussed and incorporated into future research work,” added Dr. George.

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Vaccinations are unlikely to be affected

Dr. Aparna noted that people who are fully vaccinated are less likely to have long-term Covid-19 problems.

“The silver lining is that there is emerging evidence that long-term Covid-19 rates are lower in fully vaccinated individuals. Self-care such as balanced nutrition, hydration, active lifestyles and adequate Sleep. It’s important to follow up patients after about 3 months, and sometimes beyond that, to look for post-Covid-19 complications.”

Dr Gupta added: “The UAE has the best medical facilities and the healthcare system can handle any situation. But prolonged Covid-19 has the potential to be the next major global health challenge.”