Thread by @WesElyMD

1/🧵 BEWARE: Mild” COVID can cause #LongCOVID‼️

@Nature study of N=147 (31 w LongCOVID) found Covid infection exerts unique & prolonged effects on our innate & adaptive immune system over 8 months later.

This may drive Long Covid.
 
go.nature.com/3ntDOQk

2/ Obviously, Acute COVID-19, caused by infection w SARS-CoV-2 is characterized by wide ranging severity from asymptomatic to fatal. Our immune response (big or little) to the virus drives the pathology that can kill us.

3/ We know that the acute infection causes pronounced immune system problems w lowering lymph cells and rising inflammatory mediators that can cause organ damage.

This is why I have to put so many people on ventilators & dialysis.

4/ After initial COVID resolves, about 1 in 3 people develop the physical & neuropsychological problems at (~100 days later or more) that we call #LongCOVID (aka #PASC). Yet people are still silenced.

bit.ly/2Zb9S2J

5/ Similar syndromes have developed after flu & MERS, but COVID19 is causing more long-term problems after even mild disease: persistent symptoms were reported in 35% of community managed pts 3 mo after COVID.

bit.ly/3fq3SaT

6/ Symptoms persisting 6 mo later were observed in 76% of previously hospitalized pts and ~30% of community-managed COVID pts 3 mo later & can persist >8 months.

bit.ly/3nt9gya

7/ @Nature authors ✍🏻:

“This defines immunological dysfunction associated w LC & opportunities for treatment. Ongoing inflammatory response following even mild acute COVID (not seen after other coronavirus) support existence of a distinct LC syndrome.”

8/fin
Read important story👇 about Heidi Ferrer @girltomom, written by widower @NickGuthe.

“#LongCOVID took her from one of the healthiest, most vibrant people to a person so debilitated that she could not bear another day.”

Please #Vaxx #Mask & listen!

bit.ly/34K8EO8