COVID-19 can lead to a variety of delayed complications, including long-term lung damage, heart issues, and neurological problems.
Lung Damage
One of the most common delayed complications of COVID-19 is lung damage. This can take the form of inflammation or scarring in the lungs, which can lead to difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, and other respiratory symptoms. In some cases, this damage can be permanent.
Heart Issues
COVID-19 can also cause or worsen existing heart issues. This can include inflammation of the heart muscle, called myocarditis, which can lead to an irregular heartbeat, chest pain, and other symptoms. It can also cause clots to form in the arteries, which can lead to a stroke.
Neurological Problems
COVID-19 can also cause neurological problems, such as confusion, headaches, and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms can last for weeks or even months after the initial infection. In some cases, neurological problems can be permanent.