The long-term effects of Covid are something we’ve heard more and more about over the last few months. Studies have shown the virus can cause damage to the lungs, heart and brain. But now there are warnings of men who have had the virus experiencing erectile dysfunction.
Erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence, is a common problem, particularly in men over 40.
It’s usually caused by stress, tiredness, anxiety or drinking too much alcohol.
But during a recent interview with NBC 5 Chicago, infectious disease expert Dr Dena Grayson highlighted the possibility the virus could also be a cause.
“There is some real concern here that men could have longtime issues of erectile dysfunction from this virus, because we know that it causes issues in the vasculature,” said Dr Grayson.
READ MORE: Coronavirus UK vaccine update: Immunity can be achieved within 28 days of vaccination
“So this is something that is of real concern — not just that this virus can kill, but can actually cause long-term, lifelong potential complications.”
The main symptoms of coronavirus are listed as the following by the NHS:
- A high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
- A new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
- A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you’ve noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal
The long-term effects of COVID-19 have been recognised by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
DON’T MISS
It explains: “While most persons with COVID-19 recover and return to normal health, some patients can have symptoms that can last for weeks or even months after recovery from acute illness.
“Even people who are not hospitalized and who have mild illness can experience persistent or late symptoms. Multi-year studies are underway to further investigate.
“CDC continues to work to identify how common these symptoms are, who is most likely to get them, and whether these symptoms eventually resolve.”
The most commonly reported long-term symptoms, according to the CDC, include:
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
- Joint pain
- Chest pain
The CDC adds: “The long-term significance of these effects is not yet known.”
But advice from the NHS still stands that if you experience any of what they consider the main symptoms of coronavirus to get a test as soon as possible.
You and anyone you live with should stay at home and not have visitors until you get your test results, and only leave your home to have a test.
New advice from the NHS states if you have coronavirus symptoms and you, or someone you live with, has been to Denmark in the past two weeks, do not get a test, and instead call 111 and tell them you’ve been to Denmark.
A month ago, travel from Denmark was banned over coronavirus outbreaks in mink farms.