WATCH: Nurse warns 'Long-Covid' can lead to fatigue and mental health issues
Respiratory Specialist says some patients suffering complications
Last updated 9th Nov 2020
A specialist respiratory nurse in Northern Ireland is warning some Covid-19 patients are suffering mental health issues, alongside crippling physical symptoms as they struggle to recover from the virus.
According to Italian doctors, many are experiencing lasting complications and in some cases acute problems like kidney disease, stroke and organ damage.
Some in Lombardy, the worst affected area of the country, have even reported psychosis symptoms.
Kevin O'Brien is a Respiratory Nurse Specialist for the South Eastern Trust and reviews patients after 12 weeks.
He told Downtown and Cool FM while he has not experienced those, he has seen many persistent problems associated with 'Long-Covid':
"About 10% of patients that don't require hospitalisation seem to have longer, Covid-type symptoms.
"Persistent breathlessness, chest-tightness, fatigue and Covid-pneumonia.
"Like any other pneumonia, even for healthy individuals of all ages, it can take a long time to recover," he said.
He added: "Patients that experience Covid, because it's a viral condition can sometimes experience Post-Viral Fatigue Syndrome as well which exhibits itself as tiredness, fatigue and then that impacts on a person's day-to-day activities, which can end up having an impact on their psychological wellbeing as well."
The warning comes just days before circuit breaker restrictions are due to be lifted in Northern Ireland.
Last week Ministers said the Executive will make a decision on whether to extend the measures in the coming days.
Kevin explained that the restrictions are staring to take their toll emotionally on some of his patients:
"If you think about what happens when you get a diagnosis of Covid, you have to self-isolate.
"That can be a trial and the experience can cause anxiety and...can have an impact not only on the person's initial period when they were self-isolating and away from people but then as restrictions have rolled on, they miss their social support and interactions.
"It also affects people's mood, if you've been fatigued and tired for a long time and you're not getting back to your usual performance levels it has a negative impact on a person's self-image.
"Especially with some of the younger people that have been fit and healthy beforehand and a long, protracted recovery is affecting their ability to get back to their usual activities."