COVID-19: A Truly New Virus with No Health Data Archives, and We Are Still Learning Its Full Effects

COVID-19 is unlike any virus we’ve encountered in modern history. Emerging rapidly in late 2019, the world was faced with an entirely new pathogen—one with no established medical archives or health data to reference. Scientists and medical professionals have been learning about the virus in real-time, with new discoveries about its long-term impacts emerging as we progress through the pandemic years. One significant example of these ongoing revelations comes from research recently highlighted by @thephillyvoice: people who contracted COVID-19 during the pandemic’s first wave are facing increased risks of heart attack, stroke, and death up to three years later.

COVID-19: A Novel Threat with Unpredictable Outcomes

The lack of pre-existing data about COVID-19 meant that when the virus first began to spread, health professionals were forced to treat it reactively, focusing on immediate symptoms like respiratory distress and pneumonia. Early efforts concentrated on preventing transmission, treating acute cases, and understanding the short-term effects of the virus. However, COVID-19 is not like the flu or other respiratory illnesses we are familiar with. It is a novel virus, meaning its full impact on the human body—especially long-term—remains uncertain.

Unlike illnesses such as influenza or chickenpox, which have decades or even centuries of medical history to reference, COVID-19’s long-term effects are still being documented and studied. The virus has shown itself to be complex and unpredictable, with potential impacts on multiple organ systems, including the heart, lungs, brain, and more. As each year passes, we learn more about the wide-reaching consequences of this new pathogen.

Long-Term Risks: Heart Attack, Stroke, and Mortality

One of the most alarming findings to emerge in recent research involves the long-term cardiovascular risks associated with COVID-19. A study discussed by @thephillyvoice showed that individuals who contracted COVID-19 during the first wave in early 2020 are at significantly increased risk for heart attack, stroke, and even death, for up to three years after their initial infection.

Why Are the Long-Term Effects of COVID-19 Still Unfolding?

COVID-19’s ability to cause long-term health problems is linked to the fact that it’s not just a respiratory virus. Research has shown that the virus causes inflammation throughout the body, affecting the heart, blood vessels, and other organ systems. In some cases, COVID-19 can lead to lasting damage to blood vessels and increase the likelihood of blood clots, which are direct causes of heart attacks and strokes.

Because there are no historic archives of health data for COVID-19, researchers and clinicians are continuously learning from each wave of patients. The virus’s long-term effects were not apparent in the early stages of the pandemic, when the primary concern was immediate survival. However, as more time has passed, studies are revealing that the virus’s impact extends far beyond acute symptoms, creating ongoing health challenges for survivors.

The Importance of Continued Research

The example of increased cardiovascular risks is just one of many long-term effects we are still uncovering about COVID-19. As the virus evolves, so does our understanding of its full impact on human health. Continued research is essential to fully grasp the extent of these risks and to provide the necessary healthcare interventions for those affected.

COVID-19 has shown us that even though the pandemic may be “over” in some ways, its effects are far from behind us. This ongoing discovery process underscores how much we still have to learn about this virus—and why it is so important for COVID-19 survivors to stay vigilant about their health. For more updates on the latest COVID-19 research, visit @thephillyvoice.