Doctors say, worrisome complications of COVID are herpes and arthralgia
PUNE, Feb 15 (The CONNECT) - Apart from heart problems, blood clotting, and respiratory issues, many people have started complaining of arthralgia (joint pain) and herpes, post recovery from COVID. The cases of herpes and joint pain significantly increased during the second and third waves. Doctors, therefore, urge patients to embrace a healthy lifestyle even after bouncing back from Covid infection.
Dr. Narendra Vaidya, Joint Replacement Surgeon & Managing Director, Lokmanya Hospital Pune, says: “Post-COVID, patients are struggling with joint pain. During Covid, inflammatory molecules break muscle protein and decrease protein synthesis causing muscle fatigue and it also damages cartilage causing arthritis. Arthritis problem can arise as sequel to steroid and anti-viral drugs used to treat Covid-19.”
There is about 4-5% increase in arthritis cases post Covid-19 infection at LOkamanya Hospital itself. Musculoskeletal symptoms like the stiffness of joints, muscle pain are commonly seen in post-Covid patients along with decreased muscle strength causing weaker bones. Even arthritis is triggered in the ones who have a previous history of it. Many people complained of joint and muscle pain, and have also come with new onset of autoimmune arthritis.
Patients complain of joint pain or arthralgia, muscle pain or myalgia, extreme fatigue, reactive arthritis, and vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels). The joint pain can be temporary or even seen for months. People should seek good rehabilitative care, exercise every day, maintain good posture, and follow a healthy diet to manage joint and muscle pain, Dr Vaidya says.
Currently, the worrisome complications of Covid are herpes and arthralgia (joint pain), says Dr. Vishwajeet Chavan, Orthopedic Surgeon, Apollo Spectra Pune.
Covid has induced many autoimmune and dormant infections in people due to low immunity. “Treatment with monoclonal anti–TNF alpha antibodies can cause herpes,” Dr Chavan says. Since the beginning of the pandemic, many people reported herpes, joint pain, and even warts. These problems are commonly seen in females when compared to males, he explains.
“People have been coming with complaints such as skin rash, redness, shingles around eyes nose, lips. These infections are common among senior citizens, pregnant women. Herpes and other skin complications are getting triggered in patients who have a previous history of it. Do not ignore any signs like rashes, redness of the skin, and patches, seek immediate medical attention,” Dr Chavan advises.
