According to a recent study, around one-third of long COVID patients have sustained damage to multiple organs, even five months after their initial infection. The study compared scans of COVID-19 patients who were hospitalized with those of a non-COVID control group and found higher rates of damage to the lungs, brain, and kidneys among the long COVID group.
The study revealed that lung injuries were nearly 14 times more common among long COVID patients compared to the control group. Abnormal findings related to the brain and kidneys were three and two times more frequent, respectively. The severity of the organ damage often correlated with the severity of the initial infection, the age of the patients, and the presence of other underlying health conditions.
Dr. Betty Raman, the lead researcher of the study, discovered that individuals who had more than two organs affected were four times more likely to experience severe mental and physical impairment. This highlights the serious impact of long COVID on patients’ overall well-being.
Former tennis prodigy Tanysha Dissanayake, who was forced to retire due to long COVID, expressed her relief that people are now beginning to understand the true nature of this illness. She shared how she has personally experienced issues with multiple organs, including her heart, liver, lungs, and uterus, all linked to long COVID.
The study’s findings align with the growing evidence that COVID-19 not only affects the respiratory system but also causes long-term harm to various organs and systems within the body. Dr. Margaret O’Hara, a founding trustee of Long Covid Support, emphasized that it is essential to recognize the widespread impact of COVID and the long-term health implications it poses for individuals who were not hospitalized during their acute infection.
In conclusion, this study highlights the significant organ damage experienced by a considerable number of long COVID patients, underscoring the need for further research and support for those affected. The findings reveal that COVID-19 is more than just a respiratory virus and can have long-lasting consequences on individuals’ physical and mental health.
Sources:
– Study lead by Dr. Betty Raman
– Testimony from Tanysha Dissanayake, former tennis prodigy
– Dr. Margaret O’Hara, founding trustee of Long Covid Support organization.