“In the pre-pandemic period, these infections were common among senior citizens, pregnant women or co-morbid people with compromised immunity. Since the second wave, the infections have increased among patients aged 40 years and below, with no major health indications,” she added. Dr Pritam Moon, consultant physician, Wockhardt Hospitals, said many Covid-19 patients have reported skin complications during the recovery phase and have been diagnosed with herpes zoster (HZ), called shingles. “Herpes in some patients, who have had a previous history of the condition, is getting triggered, owing to the low immunity from Covid-19,” he said.

The city doctors say herpes and other diseases are getting triggered by the low immunity post-Covid. Representation pic

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Dr Tulara said, “Herpes zoster usually remains dormant in nerves and doesn’t create any issues when people have a good immunity. However, post-Covid, many people have come with different manifestations of herpes zoster like shingles, herpes around eyes, lips or nose, as the immunity weakens.”

Dr Tulara added that arthritis, which is mainly autoimmune or rheumatoid in nature, can also get precipitated post-Covid. “The prime reason is again the autoimmune affinity in the post-Covid setting. Quite a few people continue to have joint pains, autoimmune arthritis patients feel more pain, or sometimes even develop new onset autoimmune arthritis,” he said.

Exercise daily, stay healthy

Dr Safiuddin Nadwi, orthopaedic surgeon at Apollo Spectra Mumbai, said the treatment with monoclonal anti-TNF alpha antibodies may be linked with a higher risk of herpes or zoster. “Moreover, musculoskeletal symptoms are seen in some people after getting Covid-19, along with other symptoms such as cough, fever, or loss of smell and taste. Five out of 10 younger and older Covid-19 patients visit us. It is also dependent on the severity of the disease and the course of treatment given to the patient along with modification of lifestyle. So, try to exercise daily to reduce the stress level due to the pandemic,” he said.

A prolonged recovery

A 40-year-old professor was started on anti-viral and other medication after she was diagnosed with genital herpes. The Ghatkopar resident had recovered from Covid-19 in the first week of January. “I suddenly had discomfort, itchiness with burning sensation while passing urine.

At first, I thought it was a urinary tract infection. I had to see a doctor when symptoms did not subside. The recovery from Covid-19 was uneventful, and now it seems to be a prolonged journey of complete recovery,” she said.