Complications of COVID-19

Overview

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus named SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 causes mild illness in most people. In some people, COVID-19 may be severe and lead to serious complications.

Some complications of COVID-19 include:

• Pneumonia: This is an infection in the lungs. In more severe pneumonia, lung tissue may be damaged or scarred by COVID-19. Symptoms may include cough, fever, and difficulty breathing. Treatment for COVID pneumonia depends on severity of the pneumonia and may include:
  • Antiviral medications
  • Corticosteroids
  • Monoclonal antibody treatment
  • Antibiotics if bacterial pneumonia
  • Supplemental oxygen
• Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS): ARDS is a severe lung condition. It causes difficulty in breathing and low oxygen levels in the blood. The low levels of oxygen in the blood may result in the body’s organs not receiving enough oxygen and cause them to shut down. If ARDS develops, treatment may involve the use of oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation to help with breathing.
• Heart Problems: COVID-19 may cause inflammation that can damage the heart. Symptoms may include chest pain, shortness of breath, and irregular heartbeat. If cardiac injury occurs, treatment may involve medications to support heart function.
• Acute Kidney Injury: COVID-19 can affect the kidneys and lead to acute kidney injury. Symptoms may include decreased urine output, swelling in the legs or ankles, and fatigue. Treatment for kidney injury may involve dialysis or medication adjustments.
• Blood Clotting Disorders: COVID-19 can increase the risk of blood clot formation in various parts of the body, leading to conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE). To prevent blood clotting disorders, it is important to stay active, avoid prolonged periods of immobility, and follow any prescribed blood thinning medications if recommended by a healthcare professional. Treatment for blood clotting disorders may involve blood thinners or other interventions depending on the severity.
• Long COVID: Some people report symptoms that continue for several months. Commonly reported symptoms include fatigue, brain fog, and symptoms after minimal exertion. Long COVID may happen after any severity of COVID illness. Because each COVID illness increases the risk of long COVID, the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends vaccination to prevent Long COVID.
• Neurologic complications such as encephalopathy, stroke and seizures. These complications can be treated with steroids, immunosuppressants, or plasma exchange.
• Inflammatory complications: This involves inflammation of different parts of the body, such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes, or gastrointestinal system. Treatment may involve medications such as corticosteroids or intravenous immunoglobulins.

It's important to remember that most cases of COVID-19 are mild and do not result in complications. People may get COVID more than once, with the risk of complications from each infection, so prevention of COVID-19 is a key strategy to reduce the risk of COVID complications. Following public health guidelines such as practicing good hand hygiene, avoiding crowded places, and getting vaccinated can reduce the risk of developing these complications associated with COVID-19. If you experience any symptoms or have concerns about your health, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance tailored to your specific situation.