COVID-19 Triggered Herpes And Joint Pain in Patients Post-recovery

Apart from heart problems, blood clotting, and respiratory issues, many people are suffering from arthralgia (joint pain) and herpes. The cases of herpes and joint pain significantly increased during the second and third waves. Doctors urge patients to embrace a healthy lifestyle even after bouncing back from infection.

Dr. Narendra Vaidya, Joint Replacement Surgeon & Managing Director, Lokmanya Hospital Pune,“Post-Covid patients are struggling with joint pain. During pandemic, inflammatory molecules break muscle protein and decrease protein synthesis causing muscle fatigue and it also damages cartilage causing arthritis.  Arthritis problem can arise as sequele of steroid and antiviral drugs used to treat the virus. There is about 4-5% increase in arthritis cases post COVID-19 infection. Musculoskeletal symptoms like the stiffness of joints, muscle pain are commonly seen in post-COVID patients along with decreased muscle strength causing weaker bones. Even arthritis is triggered in the ones who have a previous history of it. Many people complained of joint and muscle pain, and have also come with new onset of autoimmune arthritis. Patients complain of joint pain or arthralgia, muscle pain or myalgia, extreme fatigue, reactive arthritis, and vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels). One’s joint pain can be temporary or even seen for months. People should seek good rehabilitative care, exercise every day, maintain good posture, and follow a healthy diet to manage joint and muscle pain."

Currently, the worrisome complications of coronavirus are herpes and arthralgia (joint pain). COVID-19 has induced many autoimmune and dormant infections in people due to low immunity. “Treatment with monoclonal anti–TNF alpha antibodies can cause herpes. Since the beginning of the pandemic, many people reported herpes, joint pain, and even warts. These problems are commonly seen in females when compared to males. People come with complaints like skin rash, redness, shingles around eyes nose, lips. These infections are common among senior citizens, pregnant women.  Herpes and other skin complications are getting triggered in patients who have a previous history of it. Do not ignore any signs like rashes, redness of the skin, and patches, seek immediate medical attention,” said Dr. Vishwajeet Chavan, Orthopedic Surgeon, Apollo Spectra Pune.