In Ecuador 9.7% recovers from covid-19

A total of 3,700 patients recovered from covid-19 , out of 38,103 positive cases in Ecuador. But this process, according to specialists, depends on each individual; that is, the sequelae that the disease leaves in people can vary.

In Ecuador 9.7% recovers from covid-19

For example, Luis Delgado, who has been recovering from covid-19 for a month, mentions that he feels physically well, has no pain in his body, can breathe and even does a little physical activity.

However, he reports that sometimes he suffers from weakness or exhaustion. Despite this, he does not give up.

Another prevailing symptom is cough and body pain. On two occasions, Luis tested negative for the covid-19.

However, on an emotional level, Luis is affected. He is afraid to go out, get infected again and die. Memories of the days in the hospital still haunt him. In addition, he is distressed after losing his business due to the crisis.

The sequelae of covid-19 occur on a physical and emotional level, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). That is why he recommends that measures against contagion be maintained a minimum of two weeks after patients have recovered.

Even the international organization points out that some people test positive for the new coronavirus more than once, although that does not mean they have re-infected themselves.

In a BBC note , Maria van Kerkhove, a WHO epidemiologist, explained what was happening in the body during recovery. “As the lungs heal, some dead cells from the lungs are expelled. It is those fragments of the lungs that are testing positive, ”said the expert.

Romel Artieda, president of the Association of Psychiatry of Ecuador, indicated that there are three processes during the recovery of covid-19. The first occurs when they find out that they test positive for the virus; the second, when suffering from the disease; and the third, when recovering.

The doctor notes that all three processes affect mentally. “Those who entered intensive therapy have a high possibility of developing anxiety and reaching depression or post-traumatic stress.”

The last, explains the specialist, is a mental and emotional alteration. The person relives the trauma. “This manifests itself in lack of sleep, weakness, anxiety, fatigue and other symptoms.”

Artieda anticipated what scientific articles warned: a wave of mental health problems and that – for them – governments should strengthen the mental health system in all its areas. Not just for the patient, but for the family.

The expert added that at the physical level the consequences could be at the muscular level, with atrophies, due to the position in which the patients remained, both in hospitals and in their homes. (I)