Coronavirus warning from Italy: Effects of COVID-19 could be worse than first thought
The long-term effects of COVID-19, even on people who suffered a mild infection, could be far worse than was originally anticipated, according to researchers and doctors in northern Italy.
Psychosis, insomnia, kidney disease, spinal infections, strokes, chronic tiredness and mobility issues are being identified in former
coronavirus patients in Lombardy, the worst-affected region in the country.
The doctors warn that some victims may never recover from the illness and that all age groups are vulnerable.
"At first, initially, we thought it was a bad flu, then we thought it was a bad flu with a very bad pneumonia, it was the phase when you came here, but subsequently we discovered that it is a systemic illness with vessel damage in the whole body with renal involvement, cerebral involvement," he told me in the now silent COVID-19 emergency room that was overwhelmed a few months ago.
"And also now we see a significant proportion of the population with chronic damage from the virus."
Doctors believe that even the youngest and mildest infected are at risk of their lives being changed forever, and it could take years to become apparent. Whole workforces could become less productive as a consequence.
The advice from Italy is simple: Don't get infected.