There is a broad spectrum of possible COVID-19 effects and Mal Martin found himself on the extreme end. He spent 61 days on a ventilator and a total of 94 days in hospital due to COVID-19 complications. Speaking on GMB this morning, Mal Martin, who was given a zero chance of survival, revealed the permanent damage COVID-19 has inflicted on the body.
Other viral diseases have caused this permanent complication.
“For a long time, it’s been suggested that people who have been infected with measles are immunosuppressed in an extended period and are vulnerable to other infections,” said Daniel Chertow, who studies emerging pathogens at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.
“I’m not saying that would be the case for COVID, I’m just saying there’s a lot we don’t know.”
Research shows that SARS, for instance, is known to decrease immune-system activity by reducing the production of signalling molecules called interferons.
What are the early warning signs of coronavirus?
According to the NHS, the main symptoms of coronavirus are a high temperature, a new, continuous cough and a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.
“Most people with coronavirus have at least one of these symptoms,” says the health body.
Other health bodies have compiled a more extensive list of possible symptoms, however.
“People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness,” reports the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.
CDC outlines the following:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhoea.
How to respond to symptoms
If you have any of the main symptoms of coronavirus:
- Get a test to check if you have coronavirus as soon as possible.
- You and anyone you live with should stay at home and not have visitors until you get your test result – only leave your home to have a test.
Anyone in your support bubble should also stay at home if you have been in close contact with them since your symptoms started or during the 48 hours before they started.
A support bubble is where someone who lives alone (or just with their children) can meet people from one other household.