Problem #1: Cough and shortness of breath

Those who have had a severe case of coronavirus have a cough and shortness of breath for a long time. This sometimes appears 1–2 months after the illness and is a reaction to airway damage. This can be triggered by exercise or a cold. If shortness of breath and cough persists for a long time, this indicates that areas of the lungs after the disease are affected by fibrosis, and bacterial infection could also occur since the lungs are very vulnerable after the disease.

What to check: It is necessary to exclude the presence of a bacterial infection or a latent inflammatory process. To do this, you need to take blood tests with the definition of a leukocyte formula, a test for procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, and ferritin. It is important to understand the current state of the immune system and find out the level of vitamin D.

Problem #2: Thrombosis, myocarditis, and ACS

Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) can develop not only during illness but also after symptoms have disappeared. The reason is an autoimmune process in the myocardium. Additionally, with coronavirus, the blood becomes thicker and blood clots often form, which can lead to a stroke. Another latent post-Covid problem is Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS): pain in the region of the heart, left arm, fingers, lower jaw, and back between the shoulder blades can hurt.

What to check: It is necessary to take a comprehensive hematological analysis (coagulogram or hemostasiogram), which will assess the blood coagulation capacity and its fibrinolytic activity. Additionally, check C-reactive protein, take a biochemical blood test, and do an ultrasound of the heart and blood vessels.

Problem #3: Dysbacteriosis

Medicines used to treat coronavirus cause a serious blow to the gastrointestinal tract, in particular to the intestinal microflora. Pathogenic microorganisms cause displacement of Lactobacilli. Inflammatory processes and dysbiosis begin, which is a serious threat to immunity.

What to check: It is necessary to undergo an immunogram, biochemical blood test, and stool test.

Problem #4: Loss of smell and taste

Many people experience a loss of taste and smell during the disease, while for some, the perception of tastes and smells changes even after fighting off the disease. This is due to a violation of the blood supply to the central nervous system. Covid affects the amygdala, the hippocampus (part of the olfactory brain), and the orbitofrontal cortex. As a result: loss of smell and taste, loss of memory, difficulty in perceiving new information, and unstable emotional state occur.

What to check: It is necessary to find out the level of vitamin D in the body, as it affects the structure and functioning of the brain as well as immunity. You also need to make an immunogram and determine the level of zinc. Recovery from zinc deficiency is much slower.

Problem #5: Skin rashes and hair loss

Another common problem is hair loss after illness and skin rashes. The reason may be a lack of calcium: hair follicles become weak and fall out, as well as a general weakening of the body.

What to check: Vitamin D levels must be kept at a healthy level for calcium absorption. Vitamin D helps to start the growth of new hairs, stimulates the bulbs, strengthens them, normalizes blood circulation, and plays an important role in the formation of a healthy and strong immune system. Vitamin D is also needed to normalize the skin, as it controls zinc levels. Make sure you also take an immunogram.

Problem #6: Increased anxiety and depression

Covid’s inflammatory processes affect the brain neurotransmitters responsible for anxiety, motivation, and arousal. As a result, those who had Covid may experience long-term mental problems such as chronic fatigue, severe anxiety, and depression.

What to check: When facing this manifestation of the post-Covid syndrome, it is necessary to check the level of vitamin D, since its deficiency is directly related to nervous disorders.

Coronavirus remains a mystery. No one can say for sure what the consequences may be for every one of us. Currently, doctors unequivocally recommend making a post-Covid check-up of the body, and Ornament can help you with this. You may find a complete list of required tests in our application.

23 March 2021