Is Covid still affecting our health? Experts explain its impact on immunity and the heart

The COVID-19 pandemic may have ended as a global health emergency, but conversations around its impact on human health continue. From young people suffering heart attacks to recurring coughs and colds, fertility concerns and changes in immunity, several health issues are often being linked to the virus and its vaccines. In many households, people continue to question whether their frequent illnesses, delayed recovery or other health problems are connected to their experience during the pandemic.

At the India Today HealthWealth Summit, Padma Shri Dr D S Gambhir, Senior Cardiologist at Kailash Hospital; Dr Manoj Kumar, Vice Chairman, Cardiac Sciences and Interventional Cardiology, Max Healthcare; Dr Sanjay Sachdeva, Chairman, ENT, Max Healthcare; and Dr Preeti Aggarwal, Obstetrics and Gynaecology specialist, discussed the possible long-term effects of COVID-19 and what current scientific evidence tells us.

The experts explained how the infection may have affected different organs and bodily functions, while cautioning against attributing every health concern to COVID-19. They also emphasised the need to understand individual risk factors, adopt healthier lifestyles and seek timely medical advice rather than rely on assumptions or misinformation.COVID-19 WAS MORE THAN A RESPIRATORY INFECTION

Explaining the impact of the virus, Dr D S Gambhir said COVID-19 was an unprecedented health crisis for the current generation. He pointed out that the infection did not affect only the lungs but also involved several other organs through the bloodstream.

According to him, COVID-19 disturbed the normal balance of blood clotting in some patients, leading to the formation of clots that could affect different organs. Heart and lung complications were among the major concerns.

He added that some people continue to experience health problems after recovering from the infection. However, he cautioned against linking every new illness or sudden death to COVID-19 without scientific evidence.YOUNG HEART ATTACKS HAVE MULTIPLE RISK FACTORS

The increasing number of heart attacks among young people has become a major concern. Dr Manoj Kumar said COVID-19 could be an important risk factor, referring to research that found a higher incidence of cardiovascular events among people who had experienced the infection.

He explained that the virus can damage the inner lining of blood vessels and cause inflammation, potentially increasing the risk of blood clot formation.

However, he also highlighted other risk factors, including diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, obesity, stress and a sedentary lifestyle. Sitting for more than 10 hours a day may also increase cardiovascular risks, he said.

Dr D S Gambhir, meanwhile, cautioned against attributing every young heart attack or sudden death to COVID-19. He said available scientific evidence has not established that all such cases are linked to the infection.

Dr Manoj Kumar also clarified that available studies do not support a direct link between COVID-19 vaccination and an increased risk of heart attacks.STRESS AND LIFESTYLE ARE ADDING TO HEART RISKS

Doctors also highlighted the growing role of chronic stress in heart health. Dr Manoj Kumar said prolonged stress can affect hormone levels, including adrenaline and cortisol, and contribute to inflammation in the body.

He warned against unhealthy ways of managing stress, such as smoking, vaping and alcohol consumption.

He advised people to include exercise, yoga, meditation and social interaction in their daily routines. Those experiencing persistent anxiety or depression should seek professional help.COVID-19, IMMUNITY AND RECURRING INFECTIONS

Addressing concerns about frequent coughs and colds, ENT specialist Dr Sanjay Sachdeva said COVID-19 could have affected immune responses, including the functioning of T-cells.

He said pollution, sudden temperature changes and lifestyle habits could also contribute to recurring respiratory infections. However, the direct link between COVID-19 and frequent common colds needs further scientific research.DID COVID-19 AFFECT FERTILITY?

Dr Preeti Aggarwal explained that some women experienced temporary menstrual changes after vaccination, while some men experienced changes in semen parameters following COVID-19 infection. These changes were generally temporary, she said.

She added that stress, uncertainty and delayed pregnancy plans during the pandemic may have affected couples trying to conceive.

Age is another important factor. As women grow older, the number and quality of their eggs decline. Conditions such as endometriosis and previous ovarian surgery can also affect fertility.

Dr Aggarwal said current research has not established a major long-term impact of COVID-19 vaccination or infection on reproductive health. She advised couples facing difficulty conceiving to seek medical help rather than continuing to blame the pandemic.AVOID SELF-MEDICATION AND ANTIBIOTIC MISUSE

Dr Sachdeva also warned against using artificial intelligence tools to self-prescribe medicines. Most common coughs and colds are caused by viruses and do not require antibiotics.

Unnecessary antibiotic use can contribute to antimicrobial resistance, making bacterial infections harder to treat.

He also highlighted the importance of recommended vaccinations, including influenza vaccination during pregnancy and for older adults, as well as pneumococcal vaccination for eligible individuals.THREE IMPORTANT HEALTH CHECKS AFTER 40

Dr D S Gambhir recommended regular monitoring of blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar, particularly after the age of 40. People with a family history of heart disease should be especially careful.

He stressed that early identification of high cholesterol, hypertension and prediabetes can help people take preventive measures.

The doctors agreed that COVID-19 may have had health consequences for some people, but lifestyle, genetics, stress and existing medical conditions also play an important role. Rather than blaming every health concern on the pandemic, people should focus on timely screening, healthy habits and evidence-based medical advice.- Ends