COVID-19: The Beginning of the End?

As 2020 winds down, I know that we all wish it a good riddance.  Our country has been devastated by racial and political strife, unearthly wildfires, and the scourge of COVID-19.  If there is a bright spot in this dreadful year, it is that two vaccines are now being rolled out—one from Pfizer last week and one from Moderna coming out shortly.  As a healthcare provider, I was able to get my first (in a series of two) vaccines on Friday.  I’ll get the second one 3 weeks later.

Sadly, I have seen more times than I wish the horrendous damage that this virus can inflict on the human body.  While COVID-19 most notably causes severe pneumonia, it also hits the cardiovascular system, leading to a strong tendency to form clots.  I had one patient who had a heart attack one day—likely precipitated by her COVID-19 infection—went home the next day after receiving a stent and that night returned to the hospital with severe shortness of breath, caused by a clot in her legs that went to her lungs (a pulmonary embolism).  While in the hospital, she was also found to have a stroke due to clot, as well as clot in her spleen.

So, please take this infection seriously.  Wear masks and stay at least 6 feet away from anyone you encounter.  And get vaccinated when you can!

Greg Koshkarian, MD, FACC

Disclaimer

The contents displayed herein, such as text, graphics, and other material ("Content") are intended for educational purposes only. The Content is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read online.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your healthcare provider or 911 immediately. Any mention of products or services is not meant as a guarantee, endorsement, or recommendation of the products, services, or companies. Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk. Please discuss any options with your healthcare provider.

ROI Software Solution © 2024. All rights reserved.

Gregory Koshkarian, MD, FACC