Post-COVID Health Challenges: What Survivors of the Omicron Variant Are Facing
Explore the various health complications experienced by individuals recovering from the Omicron COVID-19 variant and learn how to manage post-COVID symptoms effectively.
Initially, it was believed that the new Omicron variant of COVID-19 would be much milder. However, it has proven to be a significant health risk, even for children and vaccinated individuals.
COVID-19 affects the entire body and can negatively impact organ function. It often triggers the worsening of existing chronic illnesses and the emergence of new ones. Survivors frequently report that even common illnesses like the flu or a cold become harder to endure after recovering from COVID-19.
The virus poses a threat even to those who had asymptomatic infections; young people with antibodies are still susceptible to the new African variant.
"Other infections can arise due to weakened immune defenses, including viral, fungal, and bacterial diseases. This complicates recovery and increases risks for individuals currently ill or recovering. Immune system suppression occurs during and after COVID-19 infection. There are virtually no completely healthy individuals, especially among the elderly, which can exacerbate underlying conditions and pose serious dangers," explains infectious disease specialist Nikolay Malyshev.
Nearly 80% of those who have recovered experience post-COVID syndrome. For some, symptoms resolve within weeks, while others require ongoing medical attention for months.
"COVID-19 progresses through distinct phases. The acute phase typically lasts up to four weeks, but some patients require mechanical ventilation for several months. The subacute phase spans from four to twelve weeks, during which some symptoms persist. Symptoms lasting beyond twelve weeks are classified as long-term effects, including serious neurological, cardiac, and gastrointestinal issues," pulmonologist Alexey Krivonogov notes.
One of the most common early symptoms is anosmia — the loss or alteration of taste and smell. The exact cause remains unclear.
The recommended approach to restore these senses involves nasal irrigation with isotonic solutions and daily inhalation of potent essential oils.
Another widespread issue for COVID-19 survivors is blood pressure instability and heart dysfunction. Many patients report blood pressure fluctuations and chest pain following infection.
"A rarer but serious complication is viral myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle that often develops weeks after recovery. Symptoms are nonspecific but may include increasing fatigue, rapid heartbeat, mild fever up to 99.7°F, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, leg swelling, reduced exercise tolerance, and in advanced stages, severe arrhythmias," explains cardiologist Elena Grichuk.
Gastroenterologists have also seen an increase in cases related to COVID-19. The most common complaint is persistent diarrhea starting at the onset of infection and lasting for months, accompanied by bloating, abdominal movement sensations, and gas.
"Treatment can be risky as well. Secondary infections sometimes require antibiotics, which may cause antibiotic-associated diarrhea and severe conditions like pseudomembranous colitis, characterized by bleeding ulcers in the intestines. This condition can be life-threatening," warns gastroenterologist Svetlana Fedorova.
Neurological impairments are not excuses for inactivity among recovered patients. Many report memory decline, reduced concentration, persistent headaches, dizziness, and irritability.
Medical experts confirm that the virus affects both central and peripheral nervous systems. Additionally, the stress of the pandemic and societal pressures contribute to temporary cognitive difficulties.
Mental health has also been adversely affected, with a sharp rise in depression, anxiety disorders, and sleep disturbances among COVID-19 survivors.
Depression can occur even after mild COVID-19 cases. Psychologists recommend seeking professional help if daily routines become challenging.
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