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As with many aspects of the new coronavirus, researchers are trying to pull together data to understand the medium-term health effects more fully.
[...] Its impact on the heart still isn't clear, Dr Gallo says, but studies published in recent weeks describe abnormalities in the hearts of patients who have completely cleared the virus.
"[The researchers] asked them about their just general wellbeing and a lot of the patients are commenting on just being generally exhausted and having shortness of breath, some of them having palpitations, atypical chest pain," she says.
What's more, many of these patients weren't that sick with COVID-19 — most of them had managed their illness at home, rather than needing hospital treatment.
[...] Other persistent symptoms people report have to do with the brain: "brain fog", sleeplessness and headaches.'
[...]Fatigue, which is more than just a feeling of tiredness, and can be associated with things like a "foggy" brain, slowed reflexes and headaches, is usually a useful response to infections.
"There's a good reason for that — mounting an immune response to fight an infection takes a huge amount of energy," Dr Landowski says.
"The body wants you to do as little as possible, so you can conserve energy and divert it to the immune system.
Then, once the infection is eliminated, the fatigue dissipates.
"However, in some people, the switch that returns the body back to normal seems to fail, resulting in chronic fatigue."
[...] "Regardless of which cells it's infecting, if it's infecting cells in the brain, it could be causing damage, which could have long-term consequences," Dr Lawson said.
Even if the virus doesn't infect brain cells directly, inflammation caused by the virus could also cause damage to the brain.
Some experts are concerned the medium-term effects on the brain might have consequences that reach further.
In an article in the Journal of Alzheimers Disease Reports, experts raise the question of whether people who've had COVID-19, particularly those whose symptoms included loss of taste or smell, will be at greater risk of conditions including Alzheimer's disease after they recover.
The last-linked article from above (which is open-access), is excerpted here with links sprinkled on some of the unusual terms:
Some of the earliest neurologic findings were in those experiencing COVID-19-related anosmia and dysgeusia [2]. Important to this equation is that COVID-19 may prove to be a risk factor for future neurodegenerative disorders, beyond that which would be expected in the context of other comorbidities and genetic predispositions. Anosmia and the biological processes resulting in this symptom contribute to grey matter loss in cortical regions [3], which is similar to where pathognomonic amyloid plaques are often discovered [4]. Olfactory dysfunction has also been found to be associated with the graduation from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to AD, serving as a potential identifier for preclinical stages [5].
[...] It has become clear that many age-related conditions are found among those testing positive for COVID-19, though some of these are also related to lifestyle and family history. ... Systolic hypertension in midlife, rather than only late life, is associated with 18% and 25% increased risk of AD, respectively ... These cardiovascular risk factors are directly related to cerebrovascular consequences, such as hypoperfusion, a symptom strongly associated with MCI and AD [14]. Plasma exchange and albumin for AD patients with hypoperfusion, for example, has been shown to improve cognitive deficits and initiate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) amyloid-β (Aβ)...
Journal Reference:
Jack C. Lennon. Neurologic and Immunologic Complications of COVID-19: Potential Long-Term Risk Factors for AlzheimerΓÇÖs Disease [open], Journal of Alzheimer's Disease Reports (DOI: 10.3233/ADR-200190)
Got it! The millennials surviving COVID-19 today may have higher chances of an early onset of dementia than the baby boomers of today.
(Score: 5, Interesting) by istartedi on Monday August 03 2020, @06:40AM (37 children)
For the longest time we've been hearing (and I have to admit, basking in the idea) that "the west" and America in particular is more innovative because we're more individualistic. In Japan, they say, "the nail that sticks out gets hammered down" whereas in the USA they say, "failure is a learning experience", "he marches to the beat of his own drummer" and other such things which are supposed to make us the kind of place that innovates, "thinks outside the box", and ultimately triumphs.
Maybe we still do, but right now the "hive" mentality is looking stronger. That sucks for a lot of us, because we don't like the idea of being worker bees, obedient servants, or conformists. We still point to our individuality as the kind of thing that's prevented us from being taken over by mass extremist movements such as fascism and communism, and yet even with our alleged individuality, there seems to be a lot of tribalism here now. It hasn't pushed us over the precipice, but it's like we're gazing into the abyss. Why?
Appended to the end of comments you post. Max: 120 chars.
(Score: 5, Insightful) by PiMuNu on Monday August 03 2020, @07:46AM (12 children)
OTOH covid is one of those things which does better with a hive mentality - "stay home, stay safe" is a message that jars with the anti-authoritarian types, but it is pretty clear that this message is the one that returns the result of no covid.
(Score: 2) by istartedi on Monday August 03 2020, @07:53AM (9 children)
Yes, this is really what I was driving at and perhaps didn't hit quite hard enough. Covid is making regimented society look more appealing. In the US right now though, it's like a dysfunctional dichotomy. You have people not wearing masks because they think it makes them part of the hive, but that itself is a kind of hive. In a well-ordered society controlled my mask-wearers, they're doing better. In a disordered society controlled by ad-hoc tribal leaders split between mask and non-mask, we're doing worse.
Appended to the end of comments you post. Max: 120 chars.
(Score: 5, Insightful) by Anonymous Coward on Monday August 03 2020, @08:05AM (7 children)
It's not about individuality vs collectivism.
It's about education, judgement, respect and courtesy (or lack thereof) for others.
It's about hubris.
(Score: 2) by PiMuNu on Monday August 03 2020, @08:11AM (5 children)
> It's about education, judgement
I don't know if it is related, but education in UK at least is something that has been slipping for quite some time. A sort of anti-elitism has crept in; good, in that there is less focus on "winners" vs "losers" in education, but bad, in that there is less focus on high achievement...
(Score: 2, Insightful) by Anonymous Coward on Monday August 03 2020, @08:24AM (1 child)
How about more basic "achievement", like civic mind, common decency?
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Monday August 03 2020, @05:31PM
Common decency is only for those in a protected victim class, not for everyone, you patriarchal dummy!
(Score: 1, Offtopic) by Dr Spin on Monday August 03 2020, @09:02AM (2 children)
Perhaps you are too young to remember how the "class war" of the 1970's pretty much destroyed the country.
We have a different third party now, but otherwise its much the same. They get no media coverage, so I don't know their views on gays or dogs.
Actually, we also we have a Green party who believe the problem is people, so we should get rid of the people. Obviously, only people who want to be got rid of will vote for them.
Is there something about democracy that makes people crazy?
Is that why Americans pronounce it "Dem are crazy?"
* The leader, not the dog AFAICT
Warning: Opening your mouth may invalidate your brain!
(Score: 2) by PiMuNu on Monday August 03 2020, @09:25AM
> Perhaps you are too young to remember how the "class war" of the 1970's pretty much destroyed the country.
Plus ca change? Or perhaps you are too young to remember the 1926 Great Strike and the emergence of the labour party?
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Monday August 03 2020, @03:28PM
The leader was gay, and a plan developed to rub out his blackmailer, but the assassin hit the blackmailer's Great Dane instead.
(Score: 1, Insightful) by Anonymous Coward on Monday August 03 2020, @11:57AM
It's also about apathy. The staunch individualism ("my rights", "my beliefs") and the celebration of and magnification of difference(s) ("I'm some type of 'ism") has eroded the pride and ability of Americans to unite under a common and societal cause of any kind.
As Pink Floyd once said, "together we stand, divided we fall". ;-) But it's true (or is it because there is no real objective truth anymore) that our differences and divisions will destroy us from within. History repeating itself along the lines of other major world powers from the past. Perhaps it's just our time as Americans to step aside and let other countries, other world powers take the lead? We've always believed that democracy is the only way, the best way. Maybe there are other ways better than ours because it doesn't look like ours is working out too well.
(Score: -1, Flamebait) by Anonymous Coward on Monday August 03 2020, @01:13PM
> In a well-ordered society controlled my mask-wearers, they're doing better.
Oh dear!
In a "well-ordered" society the shitbags occupying Leadership roles are lying scumbags just like they are everywhere. They're just shielded by propaganda - unless you are at the bottom of the food chain in which case nom nom nom thank you for donating your kidneys.
(Score: 2) by c0lo on Monday August 03 2020, @08:00AM (1 child)
Not the only one, though.
Unfortunately, the only one that's available for a society that, unlike others [ourworldindata.org], is not prepared to deal with it. At least, let's hope there will be some learning after, but I won't hold my breath.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoFiw2jMy-0 https://soylentnews.org/~MichaelDavidCrawford
(Score: 2) by RS3 on Monday August 03 2020, @02:16PM
> ...I won't hold my breath.
I see what you did there. :)
If you wear a mask, you're allowed to breathe. :)
(Score: 2, Insightful) by Anonymous Coward on Monday August 03 2020, @10:12AM (19 children)
I'm sorry, but most "western" countries are doing fine. The US fucked up bad for some reason, but Canada and the EU are currently doing as well as can be expected as far as the disease is concerned. Yes, some countries in the EU are still having trouble, but most of the EU population is reasonably safe at the moment.
by the way, I'm confused about what you mean by "western". I assume you mean Canada, USA, and the EEA countries.
(Score: 3, Interesting) by Opportunist on Monday August 03 2020, @10:52AM (3 children)
Because it seems that our political systems are still doing what they are supposed to. Yes, our parties are bickering usually and our populists are screaming their paroles, but suddenly as soon as this shit hit the fan, even they stopped and became sensible instead of spreading bullshit for petty political gains. And it seems that the people around here don't get their medical information from celebrities (usually celebrities where you wonder what they're famous for, or can someone explain to me what the Kardashians do?) but instead turn to medical professionals for that kind of advice, and fortunately not to quacks with a political agenda but rather their GP they usually trust with their health, who in turn has every incentive to give them a sensible treatment instead of peddling some miracle cure.
Our politicians still retained a modicum of trust in the population, mostly because we do see how they react to our concerns. They tell us what they're going to do and they are going to do it. No empty promises. Yes, people lost jobs here, too, and yes, businesses were struck badly here, too, but governments opened their money bags and ensured that people and small businesses could survive rather than shoving it up the ass of their cronies and "hope" it somehow trickles down instead of vanishing in the pockets of the CEOs.
People here have a reason to expect their government to work for them. People in the US have a reason to expect their government to screw them over.
That is the difference.
(Score: 3, Insightful) by hendrikboom on Monday August 03 2020, @01:18PM (2 children)
Where is your "here"?
(Score: 2) by Opportunist on Monday August 03 2020, @07:31PM (1 child)
Right now, for me Austria. 9 million people, got hit early in March at pretty much the same time and with the same intensity as Italy (with the same reason, being a huge, high profile holiday resort where the local authorities tried to keep it under wrap 'til they got smacked left and right by the country's government, despite being the same party). A total of 2,360 cases per million, 80 deaths per million. Most of both of them during March and April. Currently 1,600 active cases (177 per million) with a 7 day running death rate flickering between 0 and 1 (hard to make a sensible statement about it, since peopel can't half-die) and about 100-120 new cases per day (yeah, it picked up quite a bit again when the restrictions were lifted), which amounts to 13 new cases per million and is about on par with recoveries per day.
(Score: 2) by hendrikboom on Thursday August 06 2020, @06:34PM
Thanks for the details. Too many people say "here" when no one knows where they are except themselves.
I thought you might have been talking about Quebec, where I live.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Monday August 03 2020, @02:35PM (14 children)
I'd add that some parts of the US are doing much better than others. Mostly the Northeast, because we got hit early (because of wide use of public transport and high population density) and saw the carnage that ensued.
As such, while it's not everyone, *most* people are being really careful -- wearing masks, staying at least 2m away from others, and not gathering in groups *indoors*.
The areas where we see low infection rates right now have large numbers of folks who see that we need to work together, protecting each other, not whinging about "muh rights!" and "gub'mint overreach!"
No one can force you to care about your neighbors and fellow Americans. But like it or not, we share this country. And if we want to get this virus under control, we need to work together as Americans. For all of us.
It makes me sad that many people only see it as "fuck you Jack! I'm all right," even though that will just extend and worsen this pandemic.
More's the pity.
(Score: -1, Redundant) by Anonymous Coward on Monday August 03 2020, @03:36PM (13 children)
Most people in the northeast are already immune. That is why it spreads slowly there now. Like 30-80% of people have pre existing t cell immunity, so only 10-20% of the population gets covid before herd immunity sets in.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Monday August 03 2020, @04:46PM (1 child)
I'd say more like 10-90% ballpark.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Monday August 03 2020, @05:01PM
Depends where you live.
https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/05/t-cells-found-covid-19-patients-bode-well-long-term-immunity [sciencemag.org]
https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-35331/v1%20 [researchsquare.com]
Why are there so many anti-science retards on this site?
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Monday August 03 2020, @05:47PM (10 children)
And where did you get those numbers? AFAIK, *Antibody* testing isn't being done on any wide scale, nor is the much more involved (and accurate) T-Cell testing.
The tests being done are viral tests to see if you are infected *right now*. And, just like the rest of the US, it's taking way too long to get results back. In some cases, 7-14 days. Which is, of course, worse than useless.
So I ask again, where do you get these numbers to claim that 30-80% are immune? Other than from your rectal cavity?
Please, do tell.
(Score: 0, Disagree) by Anonymous Coward on Monday August 03 2020, @05:55PM (9 children)
The refs were posted here:
https://soylentnews.org/comments.pl?noupdate=1&sid=38801&commentsort=0&mode=threadtos&threshold=-1&highlightthresh=-1&page=1&cid=1030791#commentwrap [soylentnews.org]
Also, there are cross-reactive antibodies found in 5-10% of adults and much higher (up to 60%) of school children:
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.05.14.095414v2 [biorxiv.org]
If all these lockdowns and other measures continue for long enough all this immunity is going away and the problem will be 2-5x worse than it was in April.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Monday August 03 2020, @06:31PM (8 children)
Except the references linked don't say what you think they do.
https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/05/t-cells-found-covid-19-patients-bode-well-long-term-immunity [sciencemag.org]
https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-35331/v1 [researchsquare.com]
What was that you were saying? Nothing useful or important.
kthxbai.
(Score: -1, Redundant) by Anonymous Coward on Monday August 03 2020, @06:52PM (7 children)
So now t-cell immunity doesnt confer protection either? Just like the WHO tweeted about antibodies... What is the point of it if not to confer protection like for every other virus?
Also, no idea what the second quote is supposed to prove. Can you clarify what you think it says?
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Monday August 03 2020, @07:12PM (6 children)
Your semi-literacy is not my problem. It's yours.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Monday August 03 2020, @07:24PM (5 children)
Well you quoted something that says the cross reactive t-cells originally raised towards cold viruses are important for proper immune response. So, I guess you agree with me then...
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Monday August 03 2020, @07:52PM (4 children)
English, motherfucker. Can you read it? Apparently not.
Your ignorance is stunning. Get a clue. If you can. I won't hold my breath.
(Score: -1, Troll) by Anonymous Coward on Monday August 03 2020, @08:14PM (3 children)
"Rather, diversity of T-cell responses in terms of recognition rate of SARS-CoV-2 T-cell epitopes was decreased in patients with more severe COVID-19 symptoms (Fig. 4h, Extended Data Fig. 4b), providing evidence that development of protective immunity requires recognition of multiple SARS- CoV-2 epitopes."
Whatever, you apparently have no idea what those words you quoted mean. I hope for your sake you are trolling instead of being profoundly stupid.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Monday August 03 2020, @11:57PM (2 children)
This means that while SARS COV2 *may* share epitopes [britannica.com] with other Coronaviruses, antibodies must be able to identify/connect to multiple epitopes, some that are unique to SARS COV2 in order to convey significant levels of immunity. Which fully supports what I said. Which is why I quoted it in the first place.
You're a troll and/or a moron. Don't care which. No more feeding for you, asshole. Get back under your bridge!
(Score: -1, Troll) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday August 04 2020, @12:30AM
It means if you had prior immunity to other coronaviruses that cross react with sars2, then you have "diversity of T-cell responses", which is evidence for "protective immunity".
So no, that is not what you said.
(Score: -1, Troll) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday August 04 2020, @12:33AM
Also it was about t-cells, not even about antibodies. It is so obvious you have no idea what you read.
(Score: 5, Interesting) by Opportunist on Monday August 03 2020, @10:59AM (1 child)
Because we augment individualism to some sort of ersatz religion. Everyone has to be a special snowflake. No matter whether that means you're behaving in the kind of special that belongs on the short bus. We are at the point where even listening to someone making an argument is already considered "conformism", with conformism itself being already an insult. Everybody wants to be different. Even if that means they are just differently able.
Funny enough, this usually leads to them just following some other bullshit peddler. Because as much as these people worship individualism, they don't know enough to actually form their own opinion. So instead the train of thought is "A is mainstream, so it's bad. This guy says B, so it has to be right because it's not what the mainstream tells me". I do not fully understand it myself, but I attribute it to a curious reaction of our brain when you figure something out: It releases dopamine. Unfortunately I can't find the study anymore, but figuring out something and understanding something are actually things that cause us to experience a happy. Now, for some people, understanding something comes only very rarely. Often never. Understanding our world is difficult and many things have very, very complex structures that are not easily understood. Twice so if you have deficites in the general areas required to understand something.
Understanding is dependent on learning. And that seems to be really, really hard for a lot of people. So having easy explanations for complex matters is actually very attractive to them, because that allows them to understand something.
And dopamine is one hell of a drug.
(Score: -1, Offtopic) by Anonymous Coward on Monday August 03 2020, @01:17PM
Parasitic wasps. Are a thing.
(Score: 2) by JoeMerchant on Monday August 03 2020, @01:25PM
Being a worker bee is ideal: if you live in a hive.
As population soars, particularly in the urban areas, the hive mentality is the winning one - for that environment.
Too bad Frank Lloyd Wright's Broadacre concept didn't mesh with suburban financing models.
🌻🌻 [google.com]
(Score: 5, Interesting) by sjames on Monday August 03 2020, @01:51PM
We could still manage OK with individualism if we could jettison some of the greed and selfishness. Or perhaps childishness is a better description of the problem.
It is entirely possible to be a rugged individualist and still recognize an obligation to the greater good and show a modicum of courtesy to others. Deciding reality isn't real isn't individualism, it's stupidity (or mental illness). You can be an individual without being an ass about it.