Covid-19 affects people very differently.
Many people show no symptoms at all,
but some are hospitalised for weeks.
So what does the disease do to your body?
The coronavirus enters through the mouth, nose or eyes.
It then usually attaches itself to cells lining the nose,
throat, airways or lungs. It can turn these
cells into factories that multiply and spread the virus.
For the majority, a fever, cough
and breathlessness are as bad as it gets.
But the virus can damage the small blood vessels
lining the lungs and initiate clotting.
The alveoli are tiny air sacs where oxygen goes
into the blood. If they become inflamed,
it can trigger pneumonia. Seriously ill patients
need to be given oxygen as the lungs fill
with fluid and debris.
“I legit couldn’t breathe. My oximeter was measuring under 88% oxygen levels,
which is very dangerous, and the only time I ever thought my life was in danger was at that point."
Covid-19 doesn't just affect the lungs. It can also disrupt the immune system,
which is used by the body
to fight illnesses. Cytokines are part of
the immune system that find and signal infections.
For some people with severe Covid-19,
this system can go into overdrive. If too many
cytokines build up, it can cause an overreaction
that damages healthy cells. This is called
a 'cytokine storm' for the most severe cases.
Covid-19 can lead to seizures or even a coma.
It can also cause brain problems that lead to strokes.
The immune system over-reacting
can cause clots that stop the blood supply
to parts of the brain. Brain inflammation,
psychosis and dementia-like symptoms can also
affect seriously ill patients.
The average length of the illness is 14 days but many
people have symptoms for much longer.
Breathing problems and post-viral fatigue last for months in some cases.
“I cannot walk for long simply
because I will feel a little bit short of
breath and feel the need to sit down. That
is something that has never happened to me before."
Some of the people who are most likely
to develop severe symptoms are older adults
and those with underlying health conditions.
It’s not fully known how anyone's body will
react to Covid-19 until they get it. So it’s important
for everyone to follow health guidance.
What precautions are you taking to stay safe?
