Effects of Covid-19 on

human body
 • Coronaviruses can cause a wide range of illnesses, including the common cold
and COVID-19. These typically affect the respiratory system, but they can affect
other systems, too.

How do • Coronaviruses are present in many species, including camels and bats. Some of
these viruses can infect humans, and some of the illnesses that they cause can be

coronavirus
deadly.
• A person might have a higher risk of developing severe symptoms if they are
older, have a weakened immune system, or have another health condition.

effect the body • In humans, coronaviruses can cause the common cold, severe acute respiratory
syndrome (SARS) , and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) .
• A coronavirus also causes coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19). This illness
results from an infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
(SARS-CoV-2). This virus is responsible for an ongoing pandemic and more
than 2 million deaths so far.
• Below, we explore how coronaviruses affect the body and take a close look at
specific illnesses, including COVID-19.

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-ND

 • Viruses work by hijacking cells. They enter host cells and
reproduce, then spread to new cells throughout the body.
• As pathogens that the body does not recognize, viruses trigger an
immune response. This can cause inflammation and other effects.
General • Coronaviruses are large, single-stranded Trusted Source RNA
viruses with crown-like protein spikes on their surfaces. These
effects of spikes help them attach to and enter cells.
• Coronaviruses spread among people through droplets from coughs,

covid 19 sneezes, or breathing. The droplets may land on another person on

an item such as a door handle. If someone else touches the handle,
the virus may pass on to them if they touch their mouth, nose, or
eyes.
• Once inside the body, coronaviruses mostly affect the respiratory
system, including the nose and lungs. However, some viruses and
the immune reaction they trigger can have a wider impact.
 • After exposure to SARS-CoV-2, a person is at risk of
developing COVID-19. Someone with the infection
may or may not have symptoms.

Other
• Like other coronaviruses, SARS-CoV-2 appears to pass
from person to person through respiratory droplets.
Once inside the body, it primarily affects the lungs.
• In 2–14 daysTrusted Source, the following symptoms

effects of
may develop:
• a persistent cough
• shortness of breath

covid 19
• pain and tightening in the chest
• a fever
• fatigue
• a loss of the senses of taste and smell
• Around 80% of people with COVID-19 recover without needing specialist
treatment, often in about 2 weeks. These people may experience mild flu-like
symptoms.
• But in others, COVID-19 has a severe impact on the lungs, leading to:
• difficulty breathing
• low levels of oxygen in the blood
• lung injuries
• pneumonia
• pulmonary edema
• Experts do not yet know precisely how the virus affects cells in the lungs. However, it seems clear
that the body’s immune reaction, the impact of the virus on cells, and the lack of oxygen can each
have life threatening consequences.
• People who require hospital care often need help breathing, which may involve intubation and
mechanical ventilation. This, too, can increase the risk of lung injuries.
• In addition, having COVID-19 can increase the risk of damage to the:
• blood
• kidneys
• nervous system and brain
• cardiovascular system
• gastrointestinal system
• Some people have mild symptoms initially but go on to experience health problems for weeks
or months.
• Persistent symptoms can include:
• fatigue
• shortness of breath
• a cough
• joint pain
• chest pain
• a headache
• muscle pain
• a fever that comes and goes
• COVID-19 can also causeTrusted Source:
• blood clots
• brain fog
• mood changes
• visual disturbances
• kidney damage
• heart palpitations
Thank you