COVID – 19 has been a challenge for everyone on this planet. It has claimed many lives and continues to do so. Of the many destructive effects on human body, nervous system is the first to be affected by this disease. Even before fever and breathlessness, loss of smell sensation and taste sensation signify the involvement of nervous system. The effects of COVID on nervous system even last for months after the disease is gone.
In my clinical practice, I happen to see about 10 percent of my outpatient attendance with victims of COVID, who have successfully battled and won the war against this dreadful disease, but continue to have multiple complaints pertaining to ill effects of the disease. Most of them present with:
Generalized body aches
Giddiness
Headache
Weakness of limbs
Seizures (Fits, Epilepsy)
Persistent loss of smell and taste sensation
Low morale
Depression
Mood swings
People suffering from these require continued support from health professionals for a long time after the disease is long gone. The team of the health professionals required comprise of:
Neurosurgeon
Neurologist
Physician
Rehabilitation
Psychiatrists
Psychologist
Home care professionals
This is also a fact that post COVID stress disorder does not only affect patients of COVID, but also affects the care givers in hospital. Nurses, doctors and all other front line workers are prone to developing this disorder.
The stress disorder thus created by COVID can be cured with expert advice. No one should ignore the stress symptoms, since these may last for months and may interfere with social and interpersonal relationships.
Finally the treatment for this dreadful pandemic of Post COVID Stress Disorder requires
- Providing basic services
- Family and Community Support
- Psychological Counselling
- Professionals from Mental Health