How COVID-19 Attacks the Body: Lessons From the Morgue

The majority of those who contracted the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) recover within a few weeks. But, some individuals — even those who had moderate forms of the disease — could experience symptoms for a very long period later.

COVID-19 prefers to assault endothelial cells, which build the blood channel bridges that connect all of our organs. We are aware that the virus can result in abrupt death. Damaged endothelial cells can result in blood clots, which can cause heart attacks and strokes, as uneven roads can create traffic jams and accidents.

White blood cells, the body's first line of defense, target the infected endothelium cells, which leads to further complications like inflamed organs and internal scarring.

The Coronavirus attacks endothelial cells throughout the body, resulting in long-term damage that pathologists like myself can see as scars and blood clots in the organs of patients who have passed away after recovering from COVID-19. New details are about this disease are coming out now. The multi-systemic illness COVID-19 is acute and has long-term effects.

Post covid-19 Syndrome and how Common is this?

Those who experience a range of new, recurring, or continuous symptoms more than four weeks after receiving COVID-19 are said to have post-COVID-19 syndrome. In some people, post-COVID-19 syndrome can result in disability or last for months or years.

Research has shown that between a month and a year after receiving COVID-19, 1 in 5 people between the ages of 18 and 64 have at least one medical issue that may be associated to it. One in four adults 65 and older has at least one medical problem that may be brought on by COVID-19.

Furthermore, it is unclear whether COVID-19-specific post-COVID-19 syndrome is a brand-new disease. There are some similarities between the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and other long-term illnesses that develop after infections. Chronic fatigue syndrome-related extreme weariness does not improve with rest but instead worsens with physical or mental effort.

How does Coronavirus move Inside your Body?

The coronavirus disease COVID-19 spreads through droplets from an infected person's cough, sneeze, or breath. You might come into contact with them in the air or on a surface before your eyes, nose, or mouth. It provides the virus a place to enter the mucous membranes of the throat.

Your immune system may react in 2 to 14 days with symptoms like −

• Cough

• Fever

• Aches in the body

• Headaches

• Soreness of the throat

• Trouble in breathing

• Tiredness

• Nose congestion

• Chills

• Taste loss

• Diarrhea

• Smell loss

• Nausea

The virus moves down your respiratory system. Your mouth, nose, throat, and lungs are all parts of that airway. More ACE2 receptors are available in your lower airways than in the rest of your respiratory system. Hence, COVID-19 has more chance of spreading than viruses like the common cold.

You might get lung inflammation, which would make breathing difficult. Infection of the tiny air sacs (alveoli) in your lungs is common. It is where your blood exchanges oxygen and carbon dioxide, which can result from this and cause pneumonia.

How does long Covid Looks From the Inside?

Scientists can observe the virus' harmful effects on organs that depend on normal blood flow in long COVID, which can affect up to 30% of persons infected.

Brain fog

When pathologists examine brain tissue under a microscope, they discover dead nerve cells and inflammatory cells around blood vessels, which is not what should be there.

Fainting Episodes and Palpitations 

The crimson heart muscle may have faint white scars that hinder the electrical system's signal delivery.

Exhaustion and Breathing Difficulties

Parts of the lung tissue that ought to be empty areas ready to fill with air are clogged with pink and white patches.

Continual loss of Smell

Recent research has revealed that in certain individuals, nerve damage linked to this protracted COVID symptom exists. It is severe and cannot be changed.

COVID-19 can result in long-lasting harm that victims may have to deal with for the rest of their life. Soon, we might discover that it's also reducing their lifespan.

Children and Effects of Coronavirus

Children often do not get as sick from the coronavirus as adults do, but they can contract it and it can be fatal to them. Hospitalizations for inflammatory syndrome in some kids and teenagers may be related to the coronavirus. Fever, rash, stomach ache, nausea, diarrhea, and heart issues are among the symptoms. The disorder, now known as a multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), is comparable to toxic shock or Kawasaki disease, a disease that causes inflammation in blood vessels in children. These cases remain a mystery to us.

Risk Factors with post Covid-19 Syndrome 

Possibilities of developing post-COVID-19 syndrome are more in people with −

• With COVID-19, you had a grave disease, especially if you required hospitalization or intensive care.

• The individual had many grave health problems before they had Covid-19.

• You either experienced multisystem inflammatory syndrome before or after contracting COVID-19 and it affected your organs and tissues.

Also, research shows that adults are more likely than kids and teenagers to experience post-COVID-19 syndrome. Yet, even those who have COVID-19 but have only minor sicknesses or no symptoms may still experience long-term repercussions.

What can one do if they Experience post Covid-19 Syndrome?

Speak with your doctor if you experience post-COVID-19 syndrome symptoms. To be prepared for your appointment, note −

• When the symptoms first appeared

• What is aggravating your symptoms

• How frequently do you have symptoms?

• Your activities and how your symptoms affect them

A complete blood count or a liver function test may be performed to detect this condition. Based on your symptoms, you might have additional tests or treatments, like a chest X-ray. Your healthcare provider will develop a treatment plan using the data you submit and any test findings.

Individuals can also benefit from interactions with others. It can be in a support group where one can exchange ideas.

Conclusion

Doctors who conduct autopsies believe a virus like Covid 19 cannot be messed with. It can cause severe organ damage. One must never take this lightly.