- A Singaporean study reveals higher risk of cardiac complications in unvaccinated COVID-19 survivors.
- Vaccination and boosting found to significantly lower these risks.
- The findings highlight the necessity of continued monitoring and care for COVID-19 survivors, particularly those unvaccinated.
Life has definitely taken us on an unexpected journey with the onset of COVID-19, wouldn’t you agree?
It’s like finding ourselves on a wild roller-coaster ride, without a clue when it’ll end.
But let’s brace ourselves as we dive into a significant concern in our fight against the virus, something known as ‘Long COVID’.
Channel News Asia reveals that a recent study by Nanyang Technological University (NTU) explored the risk of long COVID in unvaccinated individuals in Singapore with some striking findings.
Demystifying Long COVID
For the uninitiated, long COVID is like an unwelcome guest who just refuses to leave.
You’ve had COVID-19, and you’re expecting a full recovery, right?
Unfortunately, for some, the virus doesn’t completely pack its bags and go.
Much like an annoying CCTV camera, it continues to record and play back an array of persistent symptoms long after the acute phase is over.
But how common is it?
Globally, we’re looking at a substantial fraction of COVID-19 survivors reporting lingering symptoms.
The Lingering Effects
Have you ever had the flu that just doesn’t want to go away?
Imagine that, but on a much larger scale.
Long COVID isn’t just about feeling a bit under the weather.
It’s a gruelling spectrum of ongoing physical, mental, and emotional challenges.
Runner’s breathlessness, cognitive fog, constant fatigue, sleep disturbances, and gastrointestinal issues are just the tip of the iceberg.
But today, let’s turn the spotlight towards a more specific and serious issue at hand, cardiac complications.
From Singapore with Warnings
Hold onto your hats!
This Singaporean study involved a whopping 1.8 million locals.
NTU researchers found that unvaccinated COVID-19 survivors faced a 56% higher risk of developing new heart complications one year post-infection compared to uninfected individuals.
Seems pretty daunting, doesn’t it?
The study even identified cardiac dysrhythmias, heart failure, and major adverse cardiovascular events as potential risks.
“Our study underscores the need for people to get vaccinated and boosted as a vital means of protection,” voiced NTU LKCMedicine’s Assistant Professor Lim Jue Tao, to CNA
A protective shield against the virus?
I believe we could all use one of those.
Also, an essential takeaway from the study was the decreased risk of cardiac complications in vaccinated and boosted COVID-19 survivors.
The Pathway to Recovering Well
What do we do when faced with an enemy we can’t see?
Arm ourselves with information and a solid strategy, of course.
Unpredictability may be the virus’s strong suit, but human resilience is a force to be reckoned with.
We’re here to manage, treat, and conquer.
Despite the ominous sounding effects of long COVID, there are various possible treatments and therapies to help manage and mitigate these symptoms.
With constant monitoring and extra care, recovery becomes a less daunting journey.
It’s like dealing with a stubborn stain.
It might not go away instantly, but with the right treatment, we can certainly lighten and eventually remove it.
Stories from the Invisible Battlefield
Walk with us through the doors of two COVID-19 ‘long haulers’.
As we hear their stories, they give a human face to the statistics we’ve been discussing.
Moving forward, let’s remember Health Minister Ong Ye Kung’s words, “The COVID-19 virus has not become milder.
It is us who have gotten stronger and more resilient, and that is because of vaccinations and safe recovery from infections.”
Let’s keep up that resilience, Singapore!
Long COVID is undoubtedly a disturbing adversary, but research like this reveals its weaknesses, too.
Is there a loved one you’re concerned about for long COVID, or perhaps you’re a survivor yourself?
How are you keeping your resilience rolling in the face of this prolonged challenge?
