Don’t underestimate COVID-19  

To the Editor;

In the early part of the coronavirus pandemic, medical specialists worked on determining the death rate from COVID-19. Presently, it is felt to be 0.5 to 1.0 percent. More recently, interest has focused on studying the long-term effects of the disease on those patients who survive, but don’t completely recover. Reports describe college and professional athletes who have developed myocarditis, an inflammation of heart muscle, that can have severe consequences, including sudden death. Some people with only mild COVID-19 infections seem to have significant and permanent lung damage.

One report described 100 recovered patients, two thirds of which were not sick enough to be hospitalized. Seventy eight showed signs of heart involvement, with 60 percent having ongoing cardiac inflammation. Thus, it is possible that COVID-19 injures the heart in many people who get it, even if they don’t feel very sick. There is also evidence that it may also affect their lungs, kidneys or brains.

The reports described above are small and short term, so it is impossible to predict what the long-term results will be but the information is worrisome. Long-term large studies will bring a clearer picture. However, one thing is presently clear: COVID-19 is a disease to be avoided if at all possible. To do this, keep a safe distance, wear a mask when indicated, wash your hands frequently and stay away from large groups, particularly indoors.

Richard B. Swett, MD

Dover-Foxcroft