Coronavirus is able to enter the eyes and infect photoreceptors, as well as retinal ganglion cells. This is the conclusion reached by German scientists after the study. Presumably, it is this fact that is the reason that COVID-19 patients complain of vision problems.
Experts for the study exposed mature retinal organoids to SARS-CoV-2, and then monitored its activity. The coronavirus did indeed infect retinal cells, according to an article published on bioRxiv.org…
The analysis showed that there are viral plaques in the photoreceptors and ganglion cells of the retina, where the virus can multiply. COVID-19 also increases the expression of several inflammatory genes associated with the retina and photoreceptors.
The authors also found that special medications are not needed to prevent and treat these complications in the eyes – those aimed at blocking angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) are suitable. Based on the results of the study, the authors concluded that coronavirus in the eyes and virus replication in retinal cells are dependent on ACE2 receptors.
Earlier, on October 6, the World Health Organization (WHO) first published the definition of postcoid syndrome and talked about the symptoms of this condition.
As noted in the WHO, up to 20% of patients suffer from postcoid syndrome, or “long-term COVID-19”. The condition occurs three months after recovery and lasts up to two months. At the same time, during the “long-term COVID-19”, phases of improvement and deterioration may occur several times.
Among the main symptoms of PTSD are fatigue, shortness of breath, signs of cognitive dysfunction, and other conditions that affect daily life.
On October 11, psychologist Pavel Zhavnerov said that the coronavirus is “the world’s stress”, information about the disease can cause anxiety-depressive disorder. He noted that some people may need the help of a psychologist. The psychologist said that the first symptoms of depression against the background of the coronavirus are discomfort in the body, problems with sleep, appetite and fatigue.
Currently, large-scale vaccination against coronavirus continues in Russia. The vaccination is given free of charge to everyone. Five drugs for COVID-19 are registered in the country: Sputnik V, Sputnik Light, EpiVacCorona, KoviVac and EpiVacCorona-N.
All relevant information on the situation with the coronavirus is available on the websites stopcoronavirus.rf and access to all.rf, as well as by the hashtag #WeVeTogether. Coronavirus hotline: 8 (800) 2000-112.