A groundbreaking study has revealed that one-third of COVID-19 patients suffer from long-term damage in multiple organs, five months post-recovery. This alarming insight into the persistent and diverse impact of the virus puts forth compelling data that suggests the long-standing notion of COVID-19 as merely a respiratory disease is obsolete.
Archive... Mystery still surrounds the origin of Corona-Image Source: Reuters
Dr. Betty Raman, the leader of the study, stated, “Individuals with more than two affected organs were four times more likely to report severe physical and cognitive impairment.” Raman’s statement strongly underscores the need for multi-disciplinary long-term care focusing on pulmonary, renal, and neurological health as well as mental well-being.
The study, involving participants at 13 locations across the United Kingdom, utilized MRI scans covering the heart, brain, lungs, liver, and kidneys. The research confirms that multi-organ damage is more likely among patients who experienced severe effects on their physical and mental health post-recovery from COVID-19.
Dr Betty Raman, “Five months after discharge, hospitalised covid patients were three times more likely to have abnormalities in the lung, brain and kidneys.. What people forget is, long covid is a serious concern. It affects the quality of life of individuals” @BR_CMR pic.twitter.com/NTzvE7Xlrq
— Farrukh (@implausibleblog) September 23, 2023
Tanisha Desanayake, a former tennis player who was forced to retire due to COVID-19, expressed relief that people are beginning to understand the “truly horrifying nature of this disease.” Desanayake has herself suffered from multi-organ damage, including the heart, lungs, liver, and uterus, all stemming from long-COVID.
Margaret O’Hara, one of the founding trustees of the “Long Covid Support” organization, firmly asserts that these findings corroborate existing evidence that COVID-19 affects a broad range of organs and bodily systems. She said, “It’s now abundantly clear that it is not just a respiratory virus, but causes long-term damage to individual health.”
| Key of the Study | Implications |
|---|---|
| 1/3 of COVID-19 patients have long-term multi-organ damage | Urges a reevaluation of post-COVID care strategies |
| High rates of damage in lungs, brain, and kidneys | Indicates need for specialized, long-term healthcare services |
| Link between severity, age, and pre-existing conditions | Highlights the importance of tailored treatments and follow-ups |
| 4x more likely to report severe cognitive and physical impairment | Suggests comprehensive mental health services must be integrated |
The new data emphasize the immediate necessity for healthcare systems to adapt and prepare for a potentially long battle against the far-reaching impacts of COVID-19.
