Q: While it seems most people are not terribly sick with Covid anymore, the after effects really worry me. Should I be concerned?
A: In a word, yes. The ongoing studies continue to show many “long Covid” health issues for many people. The most recent I found, published in JAMA Open Network, indicates a 50% plus risk of Type 2 diabetes in young people after Covid infection.
Type 2 diabetes is the one still requiring insulin treatment instead of oral pills. And this study addressed young people, not old people. While the study has only evaluated the data out 6 months after Covid infection, the elevated prevalence of diabetes was surprising to many in the health care community.
Personally, I have been saying for many months now…..it’s not the Covid infection that really worries me, it’s the after effects, or Long Covid risks to my general health that worries me. This is just one more associated risk with getting Covid, and should be a warning to all that Covid is not gone. It is likely with us forever, like flu, but seems to have far reaching effects unlike other common respiratory infections.
With winter coming, and all of us likely indoors a lot more, wearing s mask to protect others mostly, and yourself some, is still a smart decision. This is critically true if you have any hint of illness……generally feeling not quite well, or a little fever, or sore throat, or any respiratory symptoms. Remember, Covid is active and catagious BEFORE you have much in the way of symptoms. Be considerate of others, especially those over 60, and wear a mask or avoid the crowded indoor places this winter.
Covid test kits are readily available at every pharmacy, and are not expensive. Why not pick up one to keep at home in case you feel a little “under the weather” and wonder if you should go to work, or in the public at all? General health guidelines now say to stay home if you have any elevated temperature, and when your temperature returns to normal, you may return to work or school but only while wearing a mask…..about three more days. Protect yourself, and others this winter.
