Although most patients with COVID-19 recover slowly within a few weeks, some people may have symptoms and complications of COVID for a long time. Many can suffer from a few weeks to a few months. Besides lungs, corona virus damages the patient's heart, kidneys, liver, circulatory system, and nervous system. There is hardly any organ left in the patient's body where the coronavirus does not carry out its destruction. This article will discuss the signs of Long COVID and long term effects of COVID-19. Symptoms of Long COVID Even after being COVID-19 negative, some symptoms of long COVID can last for several weeks to a few months. The commonly known symptoms of long COVID include: weakness, breathing problems, cough, bone or joint pain, chest pain, muscle aches, headache, palpitations, odor and tastelessness, loss of appetite, amnesia, inattention, sleep problems, stomach problems, hair loss, body rash, etc. Read: Knowing your Covid symptoms can help to make informed decisions Although COVID initially attacks the lungs, the lungs are not the only target. It can also affect the other parts of the body. Depending on which organ is affected, the signs of Long COVID will be different. What are the long term effects of COVID-19 infection upon health? Heart Coronavirus infection can damage the heart. Even after recovering from COVID-19 infections, tests may show damage in the heart. In the later stages of COVID, numerous cardiovascular complications might occur, including rapid heartbeat, heart failure, and heart attack. According to a report from June 2020, 20-30% of COVID patients were admitted to the hospital with the effect on their heart muscle. Therefore, it behooves upon the COVID-19 survivor patients to take care of their heart's health through regular medical checkups as per consultation of heart specialists. Read COVID-19 Third Wave: Things We Need to Know Lungs In COVID, the lungs are damaged to varying degrees. If a healthy lifestyle is maintained, the lungs start healing after COVID recovery.  It is almost completely cured most of the time. However in some cases, the damage in lungs is aggravated when the affected area is wide. This is called lung fibrosis. It means that the patient may suffer from long-term complications of the lungs. Several days after the COVID has healed, even a few months later, a CT scan of the lungs shows evidence of fibrosis or hardening of the lung tissue. These patients suffer from various problems ranging from shortness of breath to poor health, weight loss, lack of oxygen, etc. Read How Long Will Your COVID-19 Coronavirus Vaccination Protection Last? Brain COVID-19 can cause bleeding problems in the brain (stroke), convulsions, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and other issues, which is now proven by research. Scientists predict that the incidence of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's will increase in those affected by corona. Furthermore, the probability of dementia or amnesia will increase among COVID survivors. Scientists have named some of the problems of post-COVID patients as brain fog. It means that the patient will never get back to the old memory. However, this kind of health condition is rare. Read: WHO calls for more research into post-Covid complications Problems with blood vessels and blood clots COVID increases the risk of blood clots in various blood vessels in the body. This is one of the major complications of COVID. For that, people at risk are given blood thinners in the hospital. But even if the patient gets better from COVID, this risk can stay for a long time. So, we see many people being hospitalized again with heart attack and brain stroke as post-COVID complications. In addition, blood clots in the lungs, kidneys, and leg veins can cause various health issues. Weakness and mental problems Physical weakness and fatigue are not uncommon for many, even patients whose symptoms were mild and who were in isolation at home. However, the problem is more common among the people who required a high-dependency unit (HDU) or intensive care unit (ICU) for corona and whose symptoms were severe. Read How Long Will Your COVID-19 Coronavirus Vaccination Protection Last? Most patients with coronavirus face a variety of psychological problems and disasters after recovery. Depression, restlessness, posttraumatic stress syndrome, tendency to forget, mild temper tantrums, irritable mood, etc. are some of them. Various digestive problems After recovery, many people suffer from various stomach illnesses for a long time. Some of them include flatulence, abdominal pain, constipation, loose stools, loss of appetite, etc. However, suffering from loose stools is most common. This happens due to the impact of COVID-19 infection and eating habits. However, in most cases, the consumption of additional antibiotics creates digestive problems. Read Coronavirus: How to get your smell and taste back after COVID-19? Kidney and liver problems Especially those who are already suffering from various kidney and liver diseases may experience further health problems. Kidneys or liver can get damaged or become dysfunctional due to the temporary or long-term effects of the COVID-19 infection. Therefore, liver or kidney patients need to be careful during the post-COVID period. Sleeping problems Corona sufferers may experience health problems in their lungs, heart, brain, or other organs of the body, which can have a temporary or long-term effect on their sleep. They might face problems in falling asleep easily or waking up repeatedly. Many COVID survivors can have nightmares in their sleep. Besides these, Sleep disturbances may occur due to stress. Again, lack of normal sleep increases physical and mental problems. Read How to heal lungs naturally and improve breathing after recovering from COVID-19? Who suffers most? Surprisingly, Long COVID Syndrome does not depend on the severity of the patient's COVID-19 infection. From acute COVID to mild COVID patients, anyone can have it. However, the elderly and those with other chronic diseases are more likely to have long COVID. However, young, fit, and healthy people are also seen facing the long COVID effects. Final words Recovering from COVID-19, or tested corona negative, or getting discharged from the hospital does not mean the end of all suffering. The patients are experiencing multifarious health issues such as, Post-COVID diabetes, surprising fluctuations in blood pressure, problems in body-organs like thyroid, pancreas, etc. Many people are suffering from Long COVID, many are dying of new complications even after tested COVID-negative. COVID patients can fall into complications before they understand anything well. Corona Virus constantly astonishes scientists. As the days go by, something new is being learned. Since COVID-19 is still a comparatively new disease, enough research hasn't been done yet. To date, it is not entirely clear what the consequences of this disease will be. Therefore, prevention is still the main weapon. During the post-Covid recovery stage, each patient need to be extra careful about the health and stay under the supervision of regular doctor. Read Dengue vs. COVID-19: Symptoms, when & where to test, ways of prevention

Fifteen more people have died of Covid-19 at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH) in the last 24 hours till 8 am Friday, said hospital authorities. Five of them tested positive and two died with post Covid complications while eight others died with symptoms, including shortness of breath. Read:25 more die of Covid at Rajshahi hospital RMCH Director Brigadier General Shamim Yazdani said 10 of the deceased were from Rajshahi, two from Natore, one from each from Naogaon, Pabna and Meherpur districts. Sixty-one people were admitted to RMCH during the period and 72 people were discharged after recovery. Read: Covid: 18 more patients die at Rajshahi hospital, fresh cases drop So far, 496 people have been admitted to the 454-bed Covid unit of the hospital including 20 at the ICU.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is still suffering from post-Covid complications along with comorbidities, her medical board member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain said on Sunday. “Madam is still in CCU where her post-covid complications are being treated,” he told UNB. Zahid said doctors are treating her after conducting  intensive tests for various post-Covid problems. “The medical board is regularly examining her health and reviewing the reports and the improvement in her condition. Also read: Khaleda ‘improving’, not out of ‘danger’ yet: Doctor Asked when she may be shifted to the cabin or released from the hospital, he said, “It depends on the medical board’s decision and her (Khaleda’s) health condition. “As a doctor, I can’t make any prediction about it since she is still suffering from post-Covid complications. It’s a process of long-term treatment.” She has also been suffering from various complications, including diabetes, heart and kidney problems. He urged people to pray for the speedy recovery of the BNP chief. Also read: ‘Vindictive politics’ behind govt’s negative decision on Khaleda: BNP The 76-year-old BNP chief, who tested positive for Covid-19 for the second time on April 24, was admitted to Evercare Hospital on April 27 for a thorough health checkup. She was shifted to the CCU of the hospital with shortness of breath on May 3. On April 28, a 10-member medical board, headed by Prof Shahabuddin Talukder, was formed for the treatment of Khaleda at the Evercare Hospital a day after her admission there. Khaleda Zia tested positive for Covid-19 on April 11 as eight people at her residence were infected with the virus. She underwent the second Covid-19 test on April 24 and her report was positive. Also read: Govt turns down family’s application to send Khaleda abroad She tested negative for Covid-19 on May 8, 27 days after she had been infected with the deadly virus. The BNP chief’s family submitted an application to the government on May 6 seeking permission to send her abroad for advanced treatment, but it was turned down as a convicted person cannot avail of such a scope. Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the government released Khaleda Zia from jail for six months through an executive order suspending her sentences on March 25 last year.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said the condition of their party Chairperson Khaleda Zia is still critical due to post-Covid complications and her comorbidities. "She (Khaleda) is still in critical condition though she can now breathe without oxygen support,” he said. Speaking at a press conference at BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office, Fakhrul said Khaleda’s pressure, body temperature and saturation level are now in good shape. “But some parameters of her condition are in a dangerous condition. She has kidney problems and that's the real problem. She has heart problems and the doctors are still very worried about it.” He expressed gratitude to the Evercare Hospital authorities as they are providing science services and treatment to Khaleda. But the BNP leader said this hospital has some limitation and it does not have adequate facilities to ensure advanced treatment to Khaleda for her various health complications. “That’s why her family sought permission to take her abroad.” Also read: Khaleda ‘improving’, not out of ‘danger’ yet: Doctor “The condition of our leader was very critical when her family applied to take her abroad. Even the doctors were worried and they also gave a report that the treatment facilities at their hospital are not adequate to tackle a critical patient like her. That's why they thought it would be better if she can go aboard for the treatment,” Fakhrul said. He said the government had also showed a positive attitude initially and created an impression among people that it would give her permission instead of doing politics with a sick person. “But unfortunately, they changed their tone suddenly and turned down the application. But the logic they showed is completely unacceptable. It’s also a lame excuse.” Fakhrul said the government has said there is no instance of sending any convicted person abroad. “It’s a wrong explanation and they did it to mislead people.” He said JSD president ASM Abdur Rob had been in jail in 1979, but then-President Ziaur Rahman freed him as per section 401 of the CrPC, and he was sent to Germany for treatment. Also read: ‘Vindictive politics’ behind govt’s negative decision on Khaleda: BNP The BNP leader also said late Awami League leader Mohammad Nasim was convicted in a case in 2008, but he was sent abroad for treatment. Without mentioning their names, Fakhrul said the death-row convicts and brothers of a highly influential government official were sent abroad exonerating their sentences under section 401. “So, why’re you showing all these lame arguments in the case of Khaleda Zia? You could have said right away that you would not give her permission.” The BNP leader said Prime Minister’s father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had a big heart as he used to show generosity towards his political opponents. “You don't have that big heart like Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He had given all facilities to many of his political opponents. He released them from jail and helped them. Had you had such generosity, you would have released Khaleda Zia long ago and allowed her to do politics,” he observed. The BNP leader said the government has manifested its inhuman and disgusting attitude by turning down the application of Khaleda’s family seeking permission to take her abroad. “We strongly condemn it.” Also read: Maintain decency while commenting on Khaleda: Fakhrul to ministers  He alleged that the ruling party leaders are making indecent and unacceptable remarks about the ailing BNP chairperson. “I again request them to exercise restraint and shun making such comments on her.  Don’t think you’ll be spared all time for making reckless comments. Everything is being noted and people will come up with a befitting reply in time.” Earlier on Sunday, the government turned down the application of Khaleda Zia’s family seeking permission to send her abroad for advance treatment, saying there is no scope for a convicted person to avail of such a scope. On May 5, Khaleda’s younger brother Shamim Iskander met Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan at his Dhanmondi residence and submitted the application to take Khaleda abroad for treatment. The 76-year-old BNP chief, who tested positive for Covid-19 for the second time on April 24, was admitted to Evercare Hospital on April 27 for a thorough health checkup. She was shifted to the CCU of the hospital with shortness of breath on May 3. On April 28, a 10-member medical board, headed by Prof Shahabuddin Talukder, was formed for the treatment of Khaleda at the Evercare Hospital a day after her admission there. Also read: Govt turns down family’s application to send Khaleda abroad Khaleda Zia tested positive for Covid-19 on April 10 as eight people at her residence were infected with the virus. She underwent the second Covid-19 test on April 24 and her report was positive. On May 8, Khaleda Zia tested negative for Covid-19, 27 days after she had been infected with the deadly virus. Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the government freed Khaleda Zia from jail for six months through an executive order suspending her sentences on March 25 last year.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday night said Khaleda’s condition now looks better with the improvement of her saturation level. “I’ve seen her from a distance for two minutes. It seems to me her condition is now better,” he told reporters after visiting Khaleda at Evercare Hospital. He said Khaleda now can breathe normally without oxygen support. “Some of her parameters are better and she is now breathing without oxygen. She’s now not facing serious difficulties to go on without oxygen.” Also read: Maintain decency while commenting on Khaleda: Fakhrul to ministers Fakhrul, however, said the BNP chairperson is still not out of danger. “There’s still a tube attached to her as fluids were coming out ofvher lungs. He also said Khaleda’s post-Covid complications are still visible in full swing. “But there’s a sign of improvement  in her condition.” The BNP leader said Khaleda has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital as she was infected with the coronavirus. “But doctors themselves said this treatment is not sufficient for her as she is now under serious health risk in consideration of her age and comorbidities due to her post-Covid complications.” Also read: Govt turns down family’s application to send Khaleda abroad The 76-year-old BNP chief, who tested positive for Covid-19 for the second time on April 24, was admitted to Evercare Hospital on April 27 for a thorough health checkup. She was shifted to the CCU of the hospital with shortness of breath around 4pm on Monday last. Her breathing problem later eased. On April 28, a 10-member medical board, headed by Prof Shahabuddin Talukder, was formed for the treatment of Khaleda at the Evercare Hospital a day after her admission there. Also read: Khaleda tests negative for Covid Khaleda Zia tested positive for Covid-19 on April 10 as eight people at her residence were infected with the virus. She underwent the second Covid-19 test on April 24 and her report was positive. Meanwhile, Khaleda Zia tested negative for Covid-19 on Saturday, 27 days after she had been infected with the deadly virus. Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the government freed Khaleda Zia from jail for six months through an executive order suspending her sentences on March 25 last year.

The health condition of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia improved slightly on Saturday, but she still needs the oxygen support as her saturation level still fluctuates due to post-Covid complications, said a member of her personal medical team member. “Madam is still being given the oxygen support, though her overall condition marked a little improvement. Her oxygen level is coming down to 90 percent when there's  no oxygen support,” he said. The physician, wishing anonymity, said though the  amount of fluid in her lungs has decreased, It's still being extracted from her lungs which is now a matter of concern. He said the BNP chief’s blood sugar level is gradually coming under control while pain in her joins has relieved significantly. Also read: Khaleda’s fitness to go abroad to be assessed once permission given: Doctor Replying to a question, the doctor said if the trend of improvement in her condition continues, then Khaleda will be able to fly abroad soon. Meanwhile, a BNP senior leader said they have got a positive signal from the government to send her abroad for advanced treatment. He said all the necessary preparations have been taken to take Khaleda to London or Singapore. The BNP leader claimed the BNP chief might leave the country either on Sunday night or the following day if her condition doesn’t deteriorate again. “She’ll be taken to Singapore instead of London, if her condition worsens." He also said Khaleda’s brother Shamim Iskander and his wife Kaniz Fatema and her domestic help Fatema will accompany the BNP chief during her travel abroad. Also read: Law Ministry’s opinion on taking Khaleda abroad soon: Anisul Earlier on Friday, Khaleda’s personal physician Dr AZM Zahid Hossain said the 10-member medical board formed at Evercare Hospital in the capital for the treatment of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia will decide whether she has the physical fitness to travel abroad once the government gives her permission to leave the country. On Wednesday night, Khaleda’s younger brother Shamim Iskander met Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan at his Dhamanmondi residence and submitted an application seeking permission to send her abroad for advanced treatment. Law Minister Anisul Haq on Thursday said the opinion of his ministry on allowing BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to go abroad will be sent to the Home Ministry soon. The 76-year-old BNP chief, who tested positive for Covid-19 for the second time on April 24, was admitted to Evercare Hospital on April 27 for a thorough health checkup. Also read: Khaleda shifted to CCU with breathing problem: Doctor She was shifted to the CCU of the hospital with shortness of breath on Monday last.  On April 28, a 10-member medical board, headed by Prof Shahabuddin Talukder, was formed for the treatment of Khaleda at the Evercare Hospital a day after her admission there. Khaleda Zia tested positive for Covid-19 on April 10 as eight people at her residence were infected with the virus. She underwent the second Covid-19 test on April 24 and her report was positive. Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the government freed Khaleda Zia from jail for six months through an executive order suspending her sentences on March 25 last year.